Take back PNG ‘starts at home’

By REBECCA KUKU
Take back PNG must start in our homes Consultative Implementation Monitoring Council (CIMC) Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) coordinator Marcia Kalinoe says.
Kalinoe said while gender discrimination happened to women and men, discrimination against women was an entrenched global pandemic.
“The research documenting the devastating effects on women and children is overwhelming,” she said.
“And it is an issue of national concern.
“We are faced with the reality of violence in our homes, families and communities daily.
“That is why, if we are to ‘Take back PNG’ we must first start in our homes.”
Kalinoe said though there was progress made in having pathways for survivors of violence, the country still had a long way to go in addressing the issue.
“Government services in law and order, health and the social sector are sparse and not easily reachable and inconsistent in service delivery,” she said. “We have criminalised domestic violence, yet many times the law is not enforced.”
Kalinoe said as leaders, decision makers, advocates for change and the society had a duty and responsibility to address issues of violence and ensure the welfare of women and girls.
She also acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape’s comments and commitments and the direction he had taken in addressing issues like gender equality and ending all forms of violence against women and children.
“We are very happy with his stand and it gives us hope that together we can address these issues,” Kalinoe said.
“So let’s take back PNG by starting in our homes.”