Plan aims to tackle gender-based violence

A five-year plan, for 2018-2022, aims to address the major issue of gender-based violence in the country.

According to statistics, two thirds of Papua New Guinea’s female population have experienced some kind of gender-based violence in their lifetime.

Stakeholders partnering with the government have come up with a strategic framework which can identify platforms and avenues to minimise, if not eradicate, gender-based violence in the country.

United Nations Population Fund representative Koffi Koume, during a recent gathering, highlighted the need for a framework strategic approach that can ensure that this dire issue is addressed.

“Gender-based violence is a problem here – the government with partners have initiated a strategy called the national strategy to prevent gender-based violence to address this issue.”

This means that this framework will help ensure GBV is tackled but in a much different manner.

“For instance, if a woman is raped, the authorities will ensure that she’s taken care of; if she needs to be referred to another level, there will be referral pathways to be able to refer those who are victims.”

Also sharing similar sentiments was a coordinator from the UN women, Daniel Winfrey, who stated that the new strategic framework is also aligned with the government’s task in dealing with GBV in PNG.

“However, in order to fulfil the objective of this strategy, there is a need for indicators. Unless we have the right indicators to measure progress, there is nothing concrete to go by in terms of addressing GBV in the country.”

Winfrey also stated that there is much need for cooperation from the public, individuals as well as survivors to make this framework work; the government and its partnering agencies cannot work alone.

(Picture: KIHUMBE)

Author: 
Imelda Wavik