Judith Pena and Clara Omi are two Bougainville-based human rights defenders who have benefited from the PNG-Australia Partnership support.
The two women are members of the Buka-based Hako Women’s Collective that operates a safe house and works closely with other local services, such as the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation.
“We deal with married women and young girls, who we give counselling to and connect to the Bougainville Police Service, the courts and the hospital and monitor their progress,” Ms Pena said.
Ms Omi said both she and Ms Pena take their role very seriously.
“As a women’s human rights defender, I represent women and young girls. I am their voice and advocate and support them when faced with abuse of their human rights, especially family and sexual violence cases,” outlined Ms Omi.
“I bring in survivors from my village to the safe house, and village court, where they help them.”
The two women received training and support through the PNG-Australia Partnership, which has helped them to effectively provide such vital services.