Although Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May, numerous groups, churches, families, or organizations hold celebrations earlier or just after the date, it does not really matter, as everyone agrees that its that one special time that mothers or mother figures are in the spotlight, deservedly so, so that we can shower them with love, affection and most importantly, honour and recognize their contribution in our lives. That is what the PNG Foreign Affairs Department did this year, hold celebrations early to honour and recognize their women employees, for being, as Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko described them, as a “pillar in the department”. Minister Tkatchenko, accompanied by his Secretary Mr Elias Wohengu, celebrated them with two huge cakes, with the Minister also thanking them for their hard work as women in this country, mothers, and wives. "To all you ladies, thank you for all your hard work, you are a pillar in our Department of Foreign Affairs." "You do a lot of hard work and are recognized at the highest level." "Ladies think big: you are equal part of this department you are no different to the men in this department." "You work as hard as the male colleagues, some of you work harder than our male counterparts." Minister Tkatchenko said women in the department are treated equally without fear and favour." "You have a part to play, not just as employees of this department but also as mothers and devoted wives.” "We are here to support, protect, and work together with you." "Any issues you have, the secretary and the deputy secretary will ensure the best we possibly can, to work together equally and fairly as we wish you all a happy Mother's Day for Sunday (May 12th).” “This is a little token of appreciation from Secretary Wohengu and I to say thank you for all your hard work," "We look forward to your continual work in promoting women and gender equally in this department, which is very important." "It's about enhancing our department, making it bigger and better with quality leadership.” “Quality leadership is all about earning the position through the right qualification and process.” "We look forward to our working relationship now and into the future.”