Papua New Guinea says NO to violence against women

Papua New Guinea – Government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs) and private sector companies joined efforts to mark the ‘16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ in Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Activities included solidarity marches led by male advocate groups, rallies, awareness-raising events, radio talks, a media awards ceremony, the launch of 5 documentary films on the elimination of violence against women, and school programmes. The colour orange was used to link all activities during the campaign.

Oil Search staff mid-walk on Stanley Esplanade in Port Moresby. Photo: Rocky Roe photography

Community members take a stand to stop violence against women at Gerehu Market. Photo: UN Women/Bessie Maruia

Black Orchid Rugby Union Team leading the march on EVAW day in Buka, Bougainville. Photo: UN Women/Aileen Sagolo

 

PNG Defence Force promoting UN Women’s ‘Stand with us –Stop Violence’ campaign during a march by public servants. Photo: Prime Minister’s Department /David Passirem

Under the theme ‘Stand with us - Stop Violence; it’s our community and our responsibility’, the campaign aimed to encourage citizens to take action on ending violence against women and girls. UN Women’s Safe Cities team, the National Capital District (NCD) markets division staff and Gerehu police marched together – dressed in orange – at Gerehu market on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gerehu Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Tinol Pakiapon, addressing the crowd said, “Violence against women is not part of our culture. There is no justification for violence and we all must take responsibility to stop it.”

In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, male advocates led a solidarity march which involved public servants, security firms, health workers, students, CSOs, women’s groups and large numbers of the general public, all wearing orange. The march raised awareness about the high rates of violence against women in this post-conflict region, and the need to work together to address all forms of gender-based violence.

UN Women supported a march by over 400 male advocates – under the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) programme for public servants – on 29 November, Human Rights Defenders Day. The march promoted messages on ending violence against women.

Dignitaries during the TSM workshop in Port Moresby. Photo: UNDP Papua New Guinea

Temporary Special Measures (TSM) – Women’s political participation.

UN Women, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), hosted the Temporary Special Measures (TSMs) conference to boost women’s political participation in the Pacific region. The two-day conference – which coincided with International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – brought together representatives from 13 Pacific Island countries to discuss issues around women’s political participation and how TSMs can help to increase the number of women MPs. A detailed report with key recommendations will be shared in early-2016.