Bel isi PNG wins recognition at Santos EHSS awards ceremony
A program committed to changing attitudes towards and supporting family and sexual violence survivors in Papua New Guinea has topped an exceptional list of nominees for the inaugural Santos Foundation Project or Program of the Year.
The Bel isi PNG program received the recognition at Santos 20th Directors’ Environmental Health Security Safety (EHSS) Awards on 9th April 2024.
Other finalists nominated for the inaugural award included two impactful programs – Pimaga Rural Hospital Solar Mini-Grid and Pimaga Vocational Educational Training (VET) Centre.
The awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence in innovation, efficiency, teamwork, and leadership across the organisation.
The Bel isi PNG program is a public-private partnership that aims to encourage the corporate sector, in collaboration with the government and civic society, to take a transformative role in changing attitudes towards family and sexual violence while also providing access to immediate care and support for survivors.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation and its partners, Toviraka Amona, Program Manager – Gender, said: “Bel isi PNG works because of the collaboration of all its partners. We are now focusing on our sustainability plans, with Santos Foundation transitioning Bel isi PNG to a standalone entity with the support of our partners”.
Head of Santos Foundation PNG Jean Martin described Bel isi as a real passion project for many at the Foundation, not only for the work it has taken to keep the model functioning but also for the many hundreds of lives it has now touched.
“Every minute, a woman or child needs help for family violence, I am proud that Santos continues to support a service that stands ready to respond,” she said.
Bel isi PNG’s success has been a result of the great partnership with all involved including the Santos Foundation, the Australian Government, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Steamships, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), security firm G4S and the National Capital District Commission, as well as many others that have contributed to the success of this program.
Bel isi PNG thanks the ongoing support of the key donor partners: Australian Government, Santos, BSP, Steamships Trading Co.
The Initiative also thanks its implementing partners, Santos Foundation, Femili PNG, BCFW, G4S and NCDC.
