PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and the broader challenges
faced by women in Papua New Guinea, calling for stronger laws, better enforcement, and a nationwide transformation in attitudes and cultural practices.
Speaking at a high-level meeting on GBV, which took place the day after International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Marape highlighted the escalating violence against women, stressing that urgent action is needed to break the cycle of abuse and impunity.
The meeting was attended by NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Police Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, representatives from the United Nations, diplomatic missions, and other stakeholders, all of whom expressed support for stronger policies, legal reforms, and better protection mechanisms for victims of violence. A follow-up meeting will be held at the
Parliament State Function Room on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at which all MPs will be invited to attend this matter of national importance.
“Gender-based violence is a crisis that cannot be ignored. We must ensure that no woman in Papua New Guinea suffers in silence, and that perpetrators are held accountable under the full force of the law,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He acknowledged that while laws exist, the lack of effective enforcement and deeply ingrained cultural attitudes continue to hinder real progress. He called for a multi-pronged approach, combining legal reforms, community education, economic empowerment, and better policing to ensure that survivors receive justice and protection.
Prime Minister Marape pointed out that many forms of violence, including GBV and sorcery related killings, were never part of PNG’s traditional culture. These harmful practices have only emerged in the past two decades, fueled by poverty, misinformation, and distorted cultural beliefs.
“We must work to eliminate these harmful practices before they become embedded in future generations. This requires educating our young people, empowering our women, and ensuring that men take responsibility for their actions,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He also criticised the practice of compensation, where perpetrators or their families offer payments to victims’ families as a way to resolve disputes. He stressed that GBV is a criminal act, not a negotiable issue, and urged law enforcement to prosecute offenders regardless of traditional customs or community pressure.
Prime Minister Marape reminded the audience that women have always had a rightful place in PNG society, particularly in matrilineal communities where they traditionally held land rights, inheritance power, and influence in decision making.
“In many of our societies, women have historically played a strong role in governance and resource ownership. But today, modern pressures and economic hardship have distorted our values, leading to more violence and inequality,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He urged leaders, communities, and families to return to the values of respect
and fairness, ensuring that women are treated as equals, not as second-class
citizens.
To combat GBV and ensure justice for victims, the government will:
- Establish a dedicated GBV unit in every police station across the coun
try. - Enforce stricter penalties for offenders and prosecute cases without
external interference. - Criminalise attempts to pressure victims into silence through compen
sation or community negotiations. - Create economic opportunities for women, reducing their depend
ence on abusive relationships.
With mobile phone access increasing across PNG, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of technology in combating GBV. Plans are underway to establish a 24-hour National GBV Hotline, ensuring victims can seek help confidentially and safely.
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the significant progress in female participation in education, largely due to the government’s investment in free education.
“For many generations, families prioritised boys’ education over girls’ due to financial constraints. But today, we are seeing more girls in school than ever before. In some areas, female enrolment now equals or exceeds male enrolment, a testament to how far we’ve come,” he said.
