UN official condemns violence against women

The National National

VIOLENCE against women is not a strength but a weakness, says United Nation (UN) Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed.
Mohammed was welcomed by cheering crowds in Tari, Hela, during her visit this week.
She was accompanied by Prime Minister and Tari-Pori MP James Marape, Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Komo-Margarima MP Manase Makiba, Koroba-Kopiago MP Petrus Thomas and Education Minister Joseph Yopyyopy.
Speaking to a large crowd on Tuesday, at Hoiebia Secondary School, in the Tebi local level government, Mohammed told men that women were their partners.
“They are your mothers, sisters, wives and daughters. Without women, you would be a bird with one wing,” she said.
“In the eyes of God, all people are equal and what’s important today is to end the violence.”
Mohammed said since arriving in Papua New Guinea she had been told about the 800 cultures and tribes and these was the country’s strength and it was better to live in peace and unity which would foster development.
She said the UN had announced K20 million for Hela after the provincial government committed K10 million to counter fund the restoration exercise in the province after an earthquake in 2018 had caused widespread damage.
Another K5million was announced to address the issue of violence against women.
Mohammed said education was the foundation of any development and UN would continue to support it and wanted students to respect each other regardless of their gender.
“I will go back to New York with many stories; stories of hope, stories of the beautiful people, stories of the people that have potentials more than they have chances.
“Turn your chances into success,” she said.
Marape, who thanked Mohammed for visiting PNG and his province, said he was thankful to mothers and youths that had risen up and stood united against social issues in the province.
“Do not worry about the negativity you hear, Hela is the safest place for women, boys and girls to work and live, especially those coming from other provinces. Tari is a nice place.”