Parkop: Eliminate violence

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop believes it is time for the country as a whole to act to eliminate violence in general and, especially, against women.
“Our women, mothers, sisters and daughters have been silent for too long,” he said.
“We need to be their mouthpieces, voice their concerns and fight for their rights.”
Speaking at an event to mark the international day for elimination of violence against women at the Royal Papua Yacht Club in Port Moresby last Friday, Parkop said the issue had been neglected in this country for far too long.
“Papua New Guinea, despite labelling itself a Christian country, still lags behind internationally in terms of common worldly values.”
He said violence continued to affect Papua New Guinea. 
“Tribal, ethnic, criminal, street and spousal violence bring shame to our menfolk.
“In our culture, we say that men are the leaders of the home.
“Men are in control and, therefore, have more status than women.
“However, I believe it is cultural beliefs such as this that hinders the rights of women,” Parkop said.
He said such belief systems had lowered the status of women, thus causing them to become more vulnerable to violence within marriage.
Parkop said the country’s constitution stated that men and women were equal.
“This is also a biblical principle.”
Parkop said gender violence was not only a social, emotional and mental concern for womenfolk but was also a cause for major economic setbacks.
“It is a costly exercise as far as government expenditure is concerned.
“Violence of all types requires a beefing up of security forces to a certain problem location.
“It requires building of new roads to places leading to these affected areas if they are not already accessible.
“It requires paying of doctors who need to attend to victims of senselessness,” he said.
The governor said many people needed to change their mindsets.
“I say real champions need to rise up and address this issue very strongly and seriously.”
As part of his speech, Parkop gave a slideshow presentation that portrayed the extreme level of violence that women, accused of sorcery and witchcraft, could expect including being stripped naked, being slashed with sharp objects and being set on fire.
“Gender violence is a major concern in Papua New Guinea and needs to be addressed.
“More awareness must be conducted in schools and communities so that we can help our womenfolk overcome these battles,” he said.