Australian NGOs to receive GAP grants

Six Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) operating in PNG will receive Gender Action Platform (GAP) grants totalling A$10 million to promote the rights of women and girls in 12 developing countries.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop declared her government’s commitment when visiting the DWU Campus in Madang.

Bishop also met with DWU President Professor Cecilia Nembou and young women students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs.

Childfund Australia, Marie Stopes International Australia and World Vision Australia will deliver GAP projects in Papua New Guinea.

These projects will help support equal opportunities for Papua New Guineans and work towards achieving lives free from violence.

In addition, Act for Peace, Action-Aid Australia and CARE Australia will also deliver GAP projects in other countries in the Indo-Pacific.

DWU played host to two high profile Australian leaders, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells last Wednesday.

Australian High Commission to PNG Bruce Davis accompanies the two Australian Ministers at the visit to DWU.

 “We mark International Women's Day and reaffirm the importance of women's empowerment as a driver of economic growth and prosperity.

Bishop said these young women are forging a new path for women in non-traditional subjects of science, technology, and engineering and are building skills for Papua New Guinea's future economic and social prosperity.

It was launched in Sept 2016, that GAP provides grants to Australian NGOs accredited under the Australia NGO Cooperation Program.

Grants are awarded to innovative projects that work to increase women's economic opportunities, improve women's participation in leadership, and reduce gender-based violence, in accordance with national laws.

GAP complements other new initiatives funded under the Government's A$55 million Gender Equality Fund and Australia's flagship program, Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development.

Australia is committed to working in partnership with Papua New Guinea and Australian NGOs to advance women's empowerment in our region and ensure we remain a global leader in the promotion of gender equality. Further information on the successful projects can be found on the DFAT website.

Author: 
Elliot Dawea