PORT MORESBY: THE National Capital District Commission leads the way to become the gold standard in championing the zero-tolerance on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policy at workplace and homes.
That means its employees, contractors (service providers) and their workers are subject to the policy. If and when the contractors or their workers inflict violence on women and girls, their contracts or employment will be terminated immediately.
In extending its influence to manage violent behaviours of men towards their spouses, and other women and girls at homes, on the streets and at public places, NCDC management today (Tuesday) brought first batch of contractors to sign pledges, subjecting their workers to the policy.
The firms are service providers to NCDC.The event was organized and facilitated by NCDC Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC).
The event was witnessed by acting City Manager, Ravu Frank and his senior officials.
Mr Frank said NCDC had taken a serious step as a city to address the GBV issue.
“Most importantly, if the women and girls of our country are walking freely on the streets in the night, we can be proud that we have achieved a milestone for the city and the whole country. NCDC is committed to ending all forms of violence at workplace and homes. We are leading the way. We are doing it for ourselves and for the future.
“It is true that the effects of Gender-Based Violence, if not halted—can go out of hand, affecting the economy of the country,” City Manager Said.
“For example, a victim of psychological or physical violence may abscond from duties, affecting his or her productivity. It is having a bearing on the entire economy. The same is true for men and boys,” he said.
FSVAC Manager, Ruth Beriso said the pledge is the focal point of a wider campaign against GBV headed by NCDC and NCD Governor’s Office to drive behavioural change in the way relationships and disputes are managed along their normal line of duty.
“We cannot blame our custom, culture, society and our believe systems and finding excuses all the time but we have to start somewhere to see change. It all starts with the individuals.
“We are training you to be the role model and so you can help in changing your security officers’ mind-sets. Thus, they can also understand the impacts of violence within the workforce and how to step in to help in line with their duties,” Beriso said.
The Senior Safety Quality and Compliance Manager for the Asila Security Services, Mr Vani Maraga said they were excited to work with NCDC to partner the municipal government in ending GBV in the city.