FEMILI PNG has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of Australia’s first Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, to its Board of Directors.
Cronin brings decades of experience in responding to family and sexual violence, social services, human trafficking and human rights issues in Australia and internationally.
Femili PNG said her appointment would further strengthen its Board as the organisation continues supporting survivors of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea.
Cronin is a third-generation social worker and began her career in family violence and sexual assault services.
She later held senior leadership positions across the social services sector in Australia and overseas, including serving as President of the Australian Council of Social Services.
She was also Chief Executive Officer of an international non-government organisation based in Asia that worked
to address human trafficking and human rights abuses.
Femili PNG provides case management services to survivors of family and sexual violence, helping them access protection, counselling, legal assistance, health services and other support needed to rebuild their lives.
The organisation operates Case Management Centres in Lae and Goroka, as well as the Bel isi Case Management Centre and Safe House in Port Moresby.
Femili PNG said its services are focused on ensuring survivors receive the protection and assistance they need to move forward with safety and dignity.
Cronin joins a Board chaired by Professor Stephen Howes, Director of the Australian National University Development Policy Centre.
Dr Eric Kwa, Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, is Deputy Chair, while Ms Marcia Kalinoe, Program Manager with the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat, serves as Secretary.
Mr Moses David, Senior Economist with Kina Bank and Vice-President of the PNG Business Council, is the Treasurer.
Other Board members are Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Chair of City Pharmacy Limited, and Ms Enid Barlong Kantha, GEDSI Lead with the Australia-Papua New Guinea Building Community Engagement Program.
Femili PNG said Cronin’s appointment adds further expertise to its efforts to strengthen services for survivors and address the ongoing challenge of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea.