The National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2016-2025 highlights four key objectives.
The strategy, endorsed by the National Executive Council, adopts a rights-based approach and takes into account all forms of violence committed on the basis of gender.
A technical working group did research and consultation for the first draft and worked on the implementation strategy and the budget.
Secretary for Religion, Youth and Community Development Anna Solomon said this is a big step forward for the country in collectively addressing GBV in PNG.
The first objective is to ensure long-term ongoing high level national and sub-national government commitment and accountability to end GBV aligned with the PNG Development Plan, PNG Vision 2050 and Sustainable Development Goals.
The strategy also aims to standardise and institutionalise data collection, and facilitate ongoing in-depth research to support evidence-based planning and budgeting and programing to end GBV.
Solomon said this is a big area that is lacking to justify the rate of GBV that is happening in PNG.
The strategy was established to ensure quality, continuity and sustainability of coordinated responses, referrals and service delivery for survivors of GBV.
Finally, the strategy aims to scale-up, decentralize and standardise inclusive, quality initiatives and messaging for prevention of GBV at all levels and in all sectors of society.
Solomon added that when used as a guide, a lot will be achieved for women and children when it comes to addressing GBV.
Minister for Community Development Delilah Gore said she looks forward to working with all partners to implement the strategy.
Gore said synergies across government, national and sub-national agencies and private sector will facilitate a more effective and timely delivery of the core components of the strategy.