Voice for Change, a local women’s human rights organisation, has delivered a breakthrough in addressing violence in Jiwaka.
The Jiwaka Provincial Government has launched its Provincial Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) and Sorcery Accusation‑Related Violence (SARV) Plan – the first provincial plan of its kind in Papua New Guinea.
The safety and wellbeing of women and girls will be improved due to persistent advocacy by Voice for Change in partnership with the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) supported by the Australian Government.
As a result, a permanent Provincial GBV Administrative Desk will be established to strengthen survivor support services and improve coordination between government agencies, civil society organisations, and community partners.
Ms Diane Kambanei, Director of the PNG Government’s National GBV Secretariat, said this plan works to localise the National GBV efforts across provinces.
“It lays a strong foundation for improving safety, justice, and wellbeing for women, girls, and communities across Jiwaka Province and Papua New Guinea,” Ms Kambanei said.
Voice for Change’s efforts, supported through PNG-Australia Partnership’s PNG Women Lead, exemplify Papua New Guinean led action to further women’s empowerment and ending violence in PNG.