16 May 2013

Australia joins calls to end violence against women in Papua New Guinea

Australian High Commissioner, HE Deborah Stokes, joins the people of Papua New Guinea in their call to end violence against women.

Ms Stokes, who will attend the National Haus Krai at Sir John Guise Stadium, said she is pleased to see a strong reaction to recent instances of violence perpetrated against women and girls in PNG.

“The Australian Government is strongly committed to helping PNG in its efforts to end violence against women through our development partnership’s focus on the prevention of family and sexual violence, and on access to justice for survivors.”

During her recent visit to PNG, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard launched two new elements under the aid program which will add to these efforts. The PNG Women in Business initiative will establish a mentoring program both to assist women to access management positions and to tackle violence against women. She also announced a new phase of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership, which will assist the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to make PNG a safer place for all Papua New Guineans.