TAKING the step to address gender inequality in East New Britain (ENB), Health Minister and Member for Gazelle, Jelta Wong has made an undertaking to financially support the provincial government.
Minister Wong, a member of the PNG Coalition of Parliamentarians to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) made a commitment of financial support to the ENB provincial government this week to support the province’s effort to put a stop to gender based violence.
The occasion was witnessed by ENB Deputy Provincial Administrator Nicholas Larme, GBV Secretariat Manager ENB Aidah Ikilik and GBV Secretariat Director NCD Ruth Beriso.
Minister Wong said statistics on gender based violence in PNG are very alarming.
According to a study, 59 percent of women aged 15- 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
He said mainstream media and social media are inundated daily with report on gender based violence on women and crime and ENB is no exception.
“Incidents of violence against women have become so serious and rampant nationwide, many women now see and feel that this country is not safe anymore for them,” he said.
He said it was time for a change in mindset.
Minister Wong is supporting the call for reserved seats for women in Parliament.
He said having women leaders at the National Parliament will be a great step forward in advancing gender equality and achieving sustainable and inclusive development in the country.
Minister Wong thanked NCD Governor Powes Parkop for his leadership of the coalition, UNDP and the EU Spotlight Initiative for their support.