2 weeks Ago By postcourieronline
PRIME Minister James Marape has called on all men in PNG to refrain from engaging in domestic violence and other forms of violence against women and girls. Speaking during the closing of the NCD Women’s Summit and Expo at the APEC Haus this week, he said that the important role men play in protecting and empowering women beginning in their homes, neighbourhoods and communities was the answer to solving the gender equality issue in the country. Mr Marape used the platform to call on the men of PNG to refrain from engaging in domestic violence or violence against women practices, citing his own personal experiences of not resorting to domestic violence when faced with such a situation.
The three-day summit and expo that was organised by the National Capital District Commission on women and girls empowerment, the ‘NCD Women’s Summit and Expo, was held from the 11-12 of this month and attracted stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including the diplomatic community, to discuss issues needing Government support in addressing in the nation’s capital. He said women make half of PNG’s population, contributing to the development of the country, however, women are held back due to lack of support from the male population. He highlighted the traditional roles women played in society in various areas of the country which have matrilineal practices where women are nurtured as leaders and play title roles in land ownership.
Mr Marape said in the patrilineal regions, women still have standing in the household, although they did not own land and were not able to speak personally during clan and tribal meetings. He said: “We have lost our way along the way, and we need to change that now as the 50 years of self-determination arrive.” Mr Marape said the safeguard and empowerment of women must start at home.
“I call on all the men and boys whose families have grandmothers, mothers, sisters, nieces, and daughters to step up in their roles as the champions of women empowerment in their families.” He said with the support from within the families, which is the core of the society, the efforts done by the government nationally would only result in having the international community’s efforts become redundant. Mr Marape called on all PNG men and boys to step up to champion the cause of women empowerment in their families.
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