Haus krai gains support

 By MALUM NALU

THE national haus krai (house of mourning) today and tomorrow to protest violence against women has the support from all over the country and the world, according to Women Arise spokesman Rev Stephen Michael Leach.

The haus krais will be held at various PNG overseas missions as women around the world join in to support  PNG women.

“We have at least 19 provinces that are standing in solidarity with us and holding haus krais on Wednesday throughout PNG,” he said.

“Also wantoks in over a dozen nations across the world are standing up with one voice and going to their local PNG embassies to express their cry for the homeland by holding their own haus krais.

“I personally call upon the Body of Christ to break its silence on the issue of gender-based violence and be an example to the broader society and calling the nation to repentance by coming to stand with us as we begin the national haus krai on May 14 (today) at 6pm here in Port Moresby at Sir John Guise Stadium. 

“This is not purely a religious movement but is also a human rights struggle for the survival of 50% of the population of PNG that is being led by people who firmly believe in a compassionate and loving God and justice.”

Leach said the initial strategy meeting in Port Moresby two weeks ago was led by the Women Arise movement and was attended by delegations from NGOs, including his ministry, Sojourner Missions and Humanitarian Outreach. 

It was where the concept of holding a national haus krai was born and was an amazing display of unity and partnership, Leach said,

“It is absolutely remarkable that we have been able to form such a strong coalition and accomplish so much in such a short period of time,” he said.

“I attribute this to the unshakable dedication of the asples women and the divine favour of the Lord upon this effort to eradicate injustice and demand an end to gender-based violence in this nation.”

Women Arise was formed following the burning of an Engan woman.

It is a coalition of women groups and more than 40 non-governmental organisations have ome together to speak out against violence on women in the country.