New centre for women’s development agency

A women’s development agency in Bougainville can now operate in a safe and secure environment.

The Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency recently opened its human resource centre on January 22nd.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Hiroshi Nawata, said the Japan Embassy was introduced to the organisation by the US Embassy in 2014 for possible funding support.

“Through this partnership, the Embassy of Japan would provide funding for the construction of the building while the US Embassy would support Leitana Nehan’s activities. I am very pleased to announce that the Leitana Nehan’s Human Resource Development Centre was funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) at a cost of K202,318.19, with the shortfall amount covered by the support of Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) New Zealand.

“When we were informed about the services that Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency has been providing for counselling to victims of the Bougainville Crisis and victims of gender-based violence, and training on gender and human rights issues, we saw the need to support.

“These services are very important for any post conflict setting and even more so in light of Bougainville’s preparations for referendum.

“With the completion of this project, Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency now has a facility to conduct their activities in a safe and secure environment. The Human Resource Development Centre accommodates rooms for counselling, training and a safe house. I am confident that the organisation will make the best use of these facilities.”

Nawata further congratulated the Agency for the successful completion of the project and thanked all partners who have been involved in their accomplishment.

“I hope that project will effectively address your urgent need for adequate and safe space to conduct your work, and that this human resource development centre will be used and maintained appropriately in the years to come, and be remembered as a symbol of the friendship among the people of Japan, New Zealand, USA, Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.”

The Embassy of Japan supported the construction of the Human Resource Development Centre while the US Embassy provided support for the organisation’s activities and New Zealand High Commission contributed to some equipment.

Towards the end of the project, Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) New Zealand came on board with additional support for the construction of the Human Resource Development Centre.

(ABG President John Momis at the opening)

Author: 
Press release