Gender inequality seen as cause for violence

National

GENDER inequality causes violence against women, according to Dr Alois Darton.
He worked for the Internal Revenue Commission and supports the campaign to end violence against women.
He was in Kokopo last week to lead a two-day activism walk to end violence against women and girls.
The theme of this year’s 30-day activism programme is, “End domestic violence in the world of work”.
More than 100 people in East New Britain took part in the programme in Kokopo.
“Gender-based violence stems from gender inequality,” Darton said.
“In PNG, our culture is in such a way that males are up there and women are down there taking care of the kids and the household,” he said.
“Gender inequality starts from there. That is the root cause of violence against women. My message to all the men is to reflect on their individual behaviour and attitude.”
He said there was no place for any form of violence in the country.
He urged people to come out of their traditional mentality and embrace change.
“Men, especially, must change their mindsets and look at ways to seriously address gender-based violence,” Darton said.
He said women should have equal access to resources as well being allowed to be equal decision-makers.