IN a nation where Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is seen as a norm and has spread roots in the cultural landscape, a young woman has accepted the challenge to lead and drive a positive change against this pervasive issue.
Meet Diane Kambanei, the newly appointed Director for the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat within the Department for Community Development and Religion. With over 10 years of diverse experience in the gender field, Diane is dedicated to combating issues of GBV and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) in Papua New Guinea. GBV, irrespective of social or economic status, corrodes the very essence of dignity, security, and freedom of any survivor. With roots firmly implanted in PNG’s diverse cultures, the fight against GBV requires not just resolve but a visionary leadership capable of catalyzing tangible change. Hailing from the province of East Sepik, Dian’s upbringing in a supportive family nurtured her passion for advocacy and social change. She spent her upbringing both in PNG and overseas, doing her primary and high schools in Australia.
IN a nation where Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is seen as a norm and has spread roots in the cultural landscape, a young woman has accepted the challenge to lead and drive a positive change against this pervasive issue.
She later attained her Undergraduate degree in Business at the James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. During her time in PNG, she was awarded a Chevening Scholarship by the government of United Kingdom (UK), which enabled her to spend a year studying in Scotland. There, she obtained her Master degree in Global Health with a specialization in Sexual Reproductive Health from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, UK.Despite spending most of her formative years studying and working overseas, she remained deeply connected to her homeland.
She has always been passionate about the development issues whilst recognizing the pressing need to address not only GBV but also gender inequality. Diane’s journey to leadership was marked by a significant moment in 2014 while working in Nauru. Amidst her role as a Case Manager for Asylum Seekers under the Australian government, she felt a profound calling to return to PNG. This calling, she believes, was divinely from God.
“I felt God speak to me to return to PNG. “I have desires to live out my purpose just as God’s called me to, because I believe that legacy is not what you leave behind but what you put in people,” she added. From her early days volunteering with organizations like Soroptimus to her leadership roles in development agencies and NGOs, Diane has consistently demonstrated her commitment to serving vulnerable communities. She served as a Program Manager for BELIEVE, the development arm of Planet Shakers Church. Here, she spearheaded the establishment of community hubs across PNG, integrating essential services like health, education, and economic empowerment activities to address community needs comprehensively. She was part of teaching a values-based leadership curriculum centered around servant leadership endorsed by the education department, to students in several high schools in NCD and other selected provinces. At the Santos Foundation, Diane managed the community and gender component of the USAID PNG Electrification Project, where Santos served as the sub-recipient. Prior to this, she held key positions at organizations like Digicel Foundation and Oil Search Foundation, contributing significantly to community-driven projects and initiatives. She was also working as Executive Director of YWCA of PNG, where she navigated the challenges of fundraising and resource allocation typical in the local NGO landscape. With a diverse background spanning over a decade of experience in various organizations and humanitarian efforts, Diane brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to her new role. Since she got appointed upon the recommendations from the Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV as a Director late last year, Diane embarked on her mission with zeal, acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead. For her, leading the Secretariat is more than just a job; it is a dream come true – a chance to effect real change in her own country. In expressing her focuses for this year as the new NGBVS Director, she said to prioritize and looking forward to properly setting up the NGBVS Office.
“All provinces now have GBV strategies drafted with the help of UNDP and sees that this office’s role is to support the implementation of those strategies, bridging the gap between policy and action,” said Diane. She believes that the gender issues in PNG stems from inequality and the lack of respect for a human life.
“I understand that a lot of work must be done in the prevention side, to change people’s belief. “We need to strengthen the referral pathways all the way down to LLG and Ward levels so we are supporting survivors of GBV and SARV, this needs to be a collective effort from all parties,” Diane stated.
She stressed that the prevention side to the issue should be advocated in schools, to instill values of respect and empathy from a young age and to try to change the mindsets now rather than later. Diane acknowledged the Department for Community Development and Religion under the leadership of Secretary Jerry Ubase and the members of the NGBVS who have been working tirelessly alongside Development Partners and NGOs to combat this widespread issue in the country. Despite being in the early stages of her probationary contract, Diane is already strategizing ways to enhance support structures such as safe houses and referral pathways. Her vision extends beyond policies and programs; it lies in empowering individuals to reclaim their dignity and build a future free from violence. In her role, Diane is committed to driving the implementation of the National Gender-Based Violence Strategy (2016-2025), fostering collaboration among government agencies and provinces to create a cohesive response to GBV. For Diane, the message is clear: every individual has a purpose, and it is in fulfilling that purpose that true fulfillment is found. She envisions a brighter tomorrow, where resilience triumphs over adversity, and together, as a community, PNG can overcome the issues of Gender-Based Violence.
