Port Moresby, NCD: Private sector, public, government partners and communities across Port Moresby united on November 22 in a powerful call to end violence against women and girls at the 2024 Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) Walk held in Port Moresby.
For a fifth year Bel isi PNG hosted the EVAW walk, partnering with subscribing private, public and government partners to give prominence to this year’s theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence”, calling for unity and solidarity against gender-based violence, emphasising the collective responsibility to create a safer society.
Bel isi PNG is a partnership between the private and public sectors and civil society organisations, dedicated to ending violence against women in Papua New Guinea and every year Bel isi PNG hosts this event to raise awareness, empower individuals to report violence, and support survivors in their healing journey.
Supported by Australia through the PNG-Australia Partnership and managed by the Santos Foundation, Bel isi PNG hosts two major events annually, a leadership forum in May and the EVAW walk commemorating EVAW day during the PNG 20 days of human rights activism in November.
This year’s walk included participation from NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Australian High Commission Deputy Head of Mission Dr Joanne Loundes, Department for Community Development, Bel isi PNG Board Director Doreen Iga and Bel isi PNG Chair Jean Martin. Various community leaders, government representatives, and NGOs joined the walk, advocating for stronger policies and resources to address violence against women.
Dr Loundes highlighted Australia was committed to supporting a safer and more inclusive PNG society, including through the work of Bel isi PNG. “This annual walk serves as a powerful reminder that every voice matters in the fight against violence, and together with community leaders, government partners, and the private sector we can strengthen our efforts to protect and uplift women and girls in all their diversity across Papua New Guinea,” said Dr Loundes.
Ms Martin thanked participants and corporate supporters, stating, “In 2023, your support enabled Bel isi PNG assist 400 survivors, ensuring support from arranging Interim Protection Orders, to providing safe house accommodation as well as improving coordination of services for survivors through other safe houses and government partners. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital work’.
As eager participants marched from Konedobu Oval to Downtown, Port Moresby waving call to action flags stating the national 20 days of human rights activism theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence, local musician performances further amplified the message of unity, respect, and resilience.
With growing support each year, organisers are determined to continue driving change, calling for more action and support for those in need.
About Bel isi PNG
Bel isi PNG is a public private partnership that offers solutions to addressing family and sexual violence (FSV) in the private sector in partnership with the public sector. It provides a clear link for subscribers 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 escalating cost and impact on their employees, business and community are encouraged to subscribe and become a member of Bel isi PNG.
Key funding partners include Santos, Bank South Pacific and Steamships and the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Partnership, Bel isi PNG is implemented through the partnership of Santos Foundation, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), Femili PNG, G4S and NCDC Santos Foundation provides overall management of the program, Femili PNG operates the Case Management Centre (CMC) and the Bel isi safe house and BCFW provides organisational policy support for subscribing companies and training of staff. G4S provide safe transport for clients and government agencies are accesses through the NCD FSV referral pathway.
