This International Women’s Day 2025, under the theme “March Forward,” the Santos Foundation reaffirms its commitment to safer workplaces and safer lives. Bel isi PNG has transformed the lives of over 485 individuals in 2024 alone, providing essential support and security. Through our support for Bel isi PNG, we collaborate with corporate partners to ensure private sector employees have access to vital Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) services—empowering them to address this issue and move forward free from fear.
With Bel isi PNG support, local banking institution Bank South Pacific (BSP) Financial Group is setting standards for corporate responsibility in addressing FSV in PNG. Elizabeth Asigau, BSP Financial Group FSV Service Manager, has been at the forefront since joining in 2022, ensuring employees have access to confidential support while maintaining their employment.
“It’s a 24/7 role,” Elizabeth shares. “Bel Isi PNG has been a crucial partner, ensuring staff can seek help without fear. Through BSP’s subscription to Bel Isi PNG, over 200 employees have accessed confidential case management, counselling services, and safe accommodation options, ensuring staff remain employed while navigating personal challenges – lifesaving support that has helped many escape violence.
“Bel Isi PNG is more than a program; it’s a lifeline,” says Elizabeth. “For many, work is stability. But what happens when home isn’t safe? This initiative gives them a way out.”
Chair of Bel Isi PNG Jean Martin highlights the vital role businesses play in the fight against FSV:
“We are grateful to corporate partners like BSP Financial Group, Santos, Steamships, and the Australian Government for being employers of choice. Together, we aim to create safe workplaces, save lives, and empower businesses and women to thrive. Thanks to their support, Bel Isi PNG has been able to offer essential services, placing clients at the heart of our work. In 2024, this partnership directly supported over 485 clients, providing security and dignity at their most critical time.”
With the unwavering support of the Santos Foundation and corporate partners, along with civil society partners Femili PNG and the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), Bel Isi PNG is driving meaningful change. Together, they provide vital support for survivors, strengthen services, and advocate for a future free from violence.
Bel Isi PNG urges the entire community to stand up and take action, while encouraging more companies to subscribe and benefit from vital FSV information, awareness, and services.
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.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Bel isi PNG on 79169063 or through the Bel isi PNG website: https://www.belisipng.org.pg
