Combined effort to address GBV vital

 A COMBINED effort by all is necessary to address gender-based violence as it is not only a women’s issue but a human issue, says Philma Kelegai, the director and co-founder for the Leniata Legacy 

Kelagai, advocate against family violence in PNG told The National yesterday that Leniata Legacy was currently working on a project called the Queen Project that features stories of amazing women and girls in the country.

The Queen Project celebrates women of all walks of life, it aims to spotlight the incredible role models we have that are not being given the applause they deserve and it showcases the idea that anything is possible because young PNG girls get to see people who look like them, doing great things, she said.

“I want this project to reinforce kindness and the celebration of women, to look at is as positive and knows that anyone can be great. We have giants walking among us, people we can learn from,” she said.

“We start to change by recognising and exalting our queens, building them up and standing up for them. These are the mothers of the nation.”

Kelegai said young girls would imitate what is being displayed, usually what is seen around them and on television. It is important that we are examples of what we want our children to become.

“The Queen Project is a platform through which we can start changing attitudes,” Kelegai said. 

“Gender-based violence manifests from inequality and these images and stories showcase women who don’t subscribe to such attitudes. These women are risk takers, barrier breakers, they are cultural shifters. These stories are real and can inspire young girls and boys.”