UN Women’s rep condemns death of young mother

By BOURA GORUKILA
AROUND 68 per cent of women in PNG have gone though some form of violence, a United Nations official says.
United Nations Women Country representative Susan Ferguson condemned the death of Jenelyn Kennedy, 19, after alleged beatings by her partner.
“There are so many women globally who experience this kind of life-threatening violence,” she said.
“Violence against women is like a pandemic because it is killing women. We know what needs to be done, we know that we need more services for women and we also need men to stop the violence.
“It doesn’t require services, it requires a change of mind and behavior which is free.”
She said the UN stood in solidarity “in the work Papua New Guineans do, calling for justice”.
Isi Oru, the family and sexual violence action committee deputy national coordinator, said women and girls “continued to be attacked with impunity despite the government’s stand and promises of justice”.
He said women and girls “do not deserve this barbaric treatment”.
“The situation on violence against women and girls has headed to humanitarian disaster despite the development partners and the national governments efforts to condemn gender-based violence/violence against women.
“It has become a significant obstacle in PNG’s development and achieving our countries sustainable development goals.”
Women going through any form of violence are advised to call the Wantok Counselling line on 71508000 from 7am to 7pm daily.
They can also call the PMGH Family Support Centre on 3248245, or speak to Tessie on 76833811.