Governors aim to end violence

DISCUSSIONS on gender-based violence (GBV) took place recently as a coalition of provincial governors met to debate its impacts on the country.
In a meeting last Wednesday hosted by the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, the group of seven governors called on the government to deploy international law enforcement to support and implement strategies in their fight against GBV.
The governors included Sir Peter Ipatas (Enga), Gary Juffa (Northern), Allan Bird (East Sepik), Ginson Saonu (Morobe), Philip Undialu (Hela), Francis Maneke (West New Britain) and Parkop.
Parkop said he was pleased with the support from the governors as they were concerned about women who wanted to address the problem of GBV. “While we acknowledge all the work done to address this crisis, it has not been enough to reduce and eliminate GBV, nor the underlying root cause, inequality and discrimination,” he said.
“We commit ourselves to take all action that is necessary to reduce GBV and promote gender equality, respect and partnership.”
Parkop launched a GBV strategy to showcase and prevent the crisis and a call for action for all provinces to address the issue.
He said women in PNG were subject to GBV or at risk of violence and this had to change.
Enga Governor Sir Peter said GBV was a crisis and the lack of police manpower to adequately address the issue has seen cases rising.
Sir Peter was pleased with the work done by Parkop and urged all other members of the parliament to support the agenda.
The governors in a statement recognised GBV as the most pressing human right violation being perpetrated in PNG and had an impact on development.