Santos Foundation’s Ongoing Support for Bel isi PNG for Safer Homes, Workplaces, and Communities
Corporate partners, government representatives, and community members united in Port Moresby, NCD, for the annual Bel isi PNG Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) Walk, ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, as a public call to end violence against women and girls.
The EVAW Walk raises awareness, encourages reporting, and supports survivors on their healing journey. With over 500 participants, the walk sent a powerful message of unity and resilience.
Hosted by Bel isi PNG, this year’s event, taking place on November 21, brought together more than 20 subscribing partners under the theme “Safe at Work, Safe at Home,” reinforcing the shared responsibility of businesses, government, and civil society to create safer workplaces, homes, and communities.
Bel isi PNG, supported by the Australia Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership and managed by the Santos Foundation, is a unique collaboration between the private sector, government, and civil society dedicated to ending violence against women in Papua New Guinea.
This year’s walk was led by NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Ms Elizabeth Le Bas, Bel isi PNG Chair Jean Martin, Santos Foundation CEO Jodie Hatherly, and Santos PNG Chair Leon Buskens, alongside other dignitaries and corporate leaders. Corporate organisations and families joined the march from Konedobu Oval to Downtown, creating a vibrant sea of orange shirts and call-to-action signs.
Speaking at the event, Santos Foundation CEO Jodie Hatherly reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment as the implementing partner to Bel isi PNG.
“Corporate responsibility extends beyond the workplace and into homes and communities. Together, we will drive change,” Ms Hatherly said.
Bel isi PNG Chair Jean Martin thanked partners and participants for their continued support.
“Your commitment enables Bel isi PNG to assist survivors through safe house accommodation, legal support, and coordination with government services. Ending violence is everyone’s responsibility.”
Organisers emphasised the need for stronger policies, resources, and ongoing collaboration to prevent violence and protect women and girls across Papua New Guinea.
About Bel isi PNG
Bel isi PNG is a public–private partnership that works to address family and sexual violence (FSV) in the private sector, in collaboration with the public sector. The initiative provides a clear link for subscribing companies to access referral pathways and strengthens FSV service provision within the sector.
Companies that are ready to take a serious stand against FSV – recognising its growing cost and impact on employees, businesses, and communities are encouraged to subscribe and become members of Bel isi PNG.
The program is supported by key funding partners including Santos, Bank South Pacific, Steamships, and the Australian Government through the PNG–Australia Partnership. It is implemented through a partnership of Santos Foundation, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), Femili PNG, G4S, and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Santos Foundation provides overall management of the program, while Femili PNG operates the Case Management Centre and the Bel isi safe house. BCFW supports subscribing companies with organisational policy development and staff training. G4S ensures safe transport for clients, and government agencies are accessed through the NCD FSV referral pathway.
