Soso backs Women Arise’s haus krai initiative

 By MOUA OMOA

EASTERN Highlands Governor Julie Soso has thrown her support behind the haus krai initiative to address violence against women in the country.

Condemning the series of recent acts of violence against women including murder, rape and abuse, Soso commended Women Arise for taking such initiative to address the issue.

Before becoming an MP, Soso was an advocate for women.

“I was the president of the Goroka council of women for 15 years and am a member of the National Women’s Council and I have planned so many marches and being part of many protests to address and end violence against women,” she said.

“You bring your petition and we (Sohe MP Delilah Gore and Lae MP and Community Development Minister Loujaya Toni) will address the issue as part of the government.”

Soso said disunity in the family unit, broken families, polygamous relationships and the lack of responsibility by parents contributed to the lack of respect for family and Christian values.

“Let’s shift our mindset from negative to positive and change our behaviour and attitude starting at the community level. 

“If you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, try to change that negative habit.

“We must go back to the basics – parents must instill discipline on their children, mould and shape their behaviour and attitudes and bring them up as the leaders of tomorrow to help develop the country,” Soso said.

She also commended women organisations such as the National Women’s Council, Family Voice, Family Sexual Violence Action Committee and the churches for their continued fight to end violence against women in the country.