Papua New Guinea is classified as one of the unsafe countries in the world for females to live in, according to Human Rights Watch.
“PNG is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or girl, with an estimated 70 per cent of women experiencing rape or assault in their lifetime,” the 2016 World Report stated.
“While such acts have long been criminalied and domestic violence was specifically proscribed under the 2013 Family Protection Act, few perpetrators are brought to justice.”
A mining company on the island of New Ireland is using cycling to promote the anti-violence message.
Held on Easter weekend last month, the three-day event organised by Newcrest Lihir under the Tax Credit Projects team, attracted about 30 riders.
The ride started on 13 April, covering 265km kilometres, paddling along the Buluminski Highway from Namatanai to Kavieng.
With the key message of, Trupla Man, Trupla Meri, an anti-violence, behavioural change campaign that is uniquely tailored for Newcrest Lihir.
The campaign empowers employees who may be perpetrators and survivors of violence and abuse to either speak out or seek help and for addressing the disconnection between happy homes and a safe and productive workplace.
“The ride is about encouraging communities to be free from violence and abuse. Each rider must show the qualities of Trupla Man, Trupla Meri to empower the communities better,” says Senior Advisor Stakeholder Engagement, Jimmy Peter.
“The riders educated the communities they visited along the highway on the different forms of violence and abuse, how to handle violence and urged them to avoid abuse and empower others to say no to violence.”
One of Kavieng’s pioneer biker, Terence Knox said, the local cycling clubs provided an avenue for youths to take part in meaningful activities then engaging in crime, drug and alcohol related activities.