The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has commenced a weeklong review of its 2019 Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy at Tuhava Town near Port Moresby. The review runs from October 20 to 24, 2025.
RPNGC Acting Manager for GESI Steven Dama, said the policy was launched in 2019 but was not effectively implemented and is now overdue for review.
RPNGC was among the first government agencies to incorporate GESI into its corporate plan in line with the National Public Service GESI Framework, which was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) in December 2012.
However, the GESI Policy remained largely inactive until May 2025, when the RPNGC Executive Management proposed a review after consultations with the Department of Personnel Management (DPM), the custodian of the national GESI framework. GESI is a policy-driven concept promoted by the NEC to ensure fair treatment and full participation of all individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or social status.
Mr. Dama emphasized that the policy is centered on the welfare of employees within the organization. “GESI is all about the welfare of employees in the organization. This policy is in place to ensure everyone is respected and promotes workplace diversity and inclusion,” he said.
He added that the RPNGC must embrace inclusivity to achieve its goals and vision. “In order for us to achieve organizational goals and visions, we have to understand that all employees are unique and different and add value to the organization, therefore, there should not be any discrimination of any sort,” said Dama.
A GESI Review Committee, comprising members of the RPNGC from various directorates, GESI experts from DPM, and representatives from the European Union, has commenced work on reviewing the policy to produce the first draft of the revised version.
Mr. Dama said the review will address implementation gaps and make the necessary amendments to align with the organization’s operational structure. He added that a second draft will be produced following consultations with Provincial Police Commanders, with the new GESI Policy 2026 expected to be launched early next year alongside the RPNGC’s strategic plans.
The review aims to ensure that all members of the Constabulary are fully informed and committed to the principles and values of gender equity and social inclusion.