Ports launches white ribbon campaign

By SALLY TIWARI 
PNG Ports Corporation Ltd is leading the fight to end violence against women, launching its white ribbon campaign last Friday.
Acting CEO of PNG Ports Jerome Peniasi said he was proud that the PNGPCL as a responsible corporate citizen was observing and promoting the campaign as part of its commitment to its employees and the community as a whole.
Jerome said there was a strong need for support from all organisations in the country to ensure a better future for the female population by putting an end to violence against women.
The company’s fight to end violence against women started last year with the launching of its domestic violence policy, which protects both employees and wives of employees from violence.
Jerome said this had resulted in a gradual increase in the reporting of cases of violence against women inside and outside the work premises.
“More families are now becoming aware of the policy which enables them to take appropriate actions when confronted with this issue,” he said.
He said the company also supported the empowering of women with over 20 now holding supervisory and managerial positions.
The launch of the white ribbon campaign marks the international day for elimination of violence against women which falls on Nov 25.
Health Minister Jamie Maxtone-Graham challenged men to change their behaviour.
“I pay tribute to the work of Dame Carol Kidu in bringing about many legislative changes to empower women, but I believe what PNG needs today is the change of behaviour,” he said.