Kit to address gender-based violence available

 A TOOL kit aimed to help PNG businesses address gender-based violence in the work places is available online.

The tool kit called “Costing the impacts of gender-based violence to business” was launched by visiting Australian ambassador for women and girls Natasha Stott Despoja in Port Moresby.

“It’s designed as a kit to assist NGOs, business and academia as well as others to assess the cost of violence against women,” Despoja said.

“It’s an incredibly useful and powerful tool that is online for businesses around the world, not just PNG.”

The tool kit was developed with funding from the Australian Government following research into gender violence in PNG by the Overseas Development Institute.

A report titled “Gender violence in PNG  – The cost to business” was also launched. It highlights findings into the type of violence employees experience, the behavioral responses and impact it does resulting in absenteeism and lack of productivity.

“We should also work hard as a community – including Government and the private sector – to ensure women are supported in terms of survival. It’s about receiving services, shelter, and support. But of course we want to prevent violence before it occurs,” Despoja said.