Introduction
Carol Kidu is a name that rings a bell among Papua New Guineans, especially women. Born in Australia, she spent more than two decades in Papua New Guinea, and it was here that she became a household name. Carol played a crucial role in the country, advocating for women’s rights as well as for the education of the girl child.
Today, we take a deep dive into 10 surprising facts about Carol Kidu that you need to know.
1. Kidu was a trained nurse
Before her move to Papua New Guinea, Carol Kidu trained as a nurse in Australia. She started working as a nurse in a hospital, and because of her passion to become a midwife, she enrolled in the Family Planning training course. After completing the course, she worked as a district health sister in her mother’s hometown.
2. Kidu was a member of parliament for 15 years
Carol Kidu was the first woman to be elected into the Papua New Guinea parliament in 2002. She served as an independent member of parliament and continued to be re-elected for four more terms until 2012 when she retired from politics.
3. Kidu was awarded an OBE
In 2005, the British Crown awarded Carol Kidu with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Papua New Guinea. The OBE is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their country in various forms, including public service, entertainment, and sports.
4. Kidu was a mentor to many Papua New Guinean women
Throughout her years in Papua New Guinea, Carol Kidu set an example for women in the country. She advocated for women’s rights and encouraged women to take their place in society. Her mentorship was instrumental in the rise of women in leadership positions across the country.
5. Kidu was a strong advocate for education
Carol Kidu believed that education was the key out of poverty and advocated for education, especially for the girl child. She started the Education for All in Papua New Guinea program to support education in the country, especially in remote areas.
6. Kidu’s family struggled with her political career
Kidu’s husband and children struggled with her political career. Her husband, Jean-Marie, moved to Australia shortly after her election, while her children stayed with her in Papua New Guinea. It took a toll on the family, but they managed to stay together and support each other in the end.
7. Kidu was diagnosed with breast cancer
In 2013, Kidu was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent treatment in Australia and returned to Papua New Guinea after being given a clean bill of health. However, in 2016, she was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away on March 7th, 2017.
8. Kidu was a widow at a young age
At the young age of 23, Carol Kidu was widowed when her husband, Jean-Marie, passed away in a plane crash. This tragic event marked her life and motivated her to become a nurse and advocate for others.
FAQs
Q1. What did Carol Kidu advocate for?
Carol Kidu advocated for women’s rights as well as education, especially for the girl child.
Q2. What was Carol Kidu’s background?
Carol Kidu was born in Australia and trained as a nurse before moving to Papua New Guinea.
Q3. Was Carol Kidu married?
Yes, Carol Kidu was married to Jean-Marie, who passed away in a plane crash.
Q4. Did Carol Kidu have children?
Yes, Carol Kidu had two children.
Q5. Was Carol Kidu into politics?
Yes, Carol Kidu was a member of parliament for 15 years.
Q6. Was Carol Kidu awarded any honors during her lifetime?
Yes, Carol Kidu was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Papua New Guinea.
Q7. When did Carol Kidu pass away?
Carol Kidu passed away on March 7th, 2017.
Conclusion
Carol Kidu was an exceptional woman who dedicated her life to the betterment of others. She was an inspiring leader who touched countless lives and left a profound legacy in Papua New Guinea. We hope that through this blog post, you have gained a better understanding of this remarkable woman and learned some surprising facts about her life. We encourage you to learn more about her and to be inspired by her story.