UN: Say no to gender violence

A UNITED Nations (UN) envoy says to achieve an equal society, a Government must be committed to ending gender-based violence.
Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN secretary-general’s envoy on youth visited PNG last month with UN deputy secretary-general Amina J Mohammed and the head of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“I am convinced that to achieve an equal society, we need a government that is committed to ending gender-based violence, a vibrant civil society and young people who are leading the charge,” Wickramanayake posted on Facebook.
She said gender equality was no longer a choice.
“It is a must, and I feel privileged to have met people throughout PNG who are fighting for change,” she said.
“Although my stay in PNG was short, it made me feel close to home.
“Not only because of the culture and the people, but also because many of the challenges I saw – from peace and security, gender inequality, and development challenges – resemble a situation I know from my home country (Sri Lanka).”
Wickramanayake arrived on March 8 and joined hundreds of Port Moresby residents in an early morning walk with Governor Powes Parkop.
“After the walk, we had dialogue with young people from all parts of PNG who shared their concerns and hopes for the future of their country, the United Nations and the world,” she said.
“Even though young people make up 60 per cent of the country’s population, youth are reported to be the least engaged in development discussions and opportunities, leaving the bulk of their potential untapped.”