Prime Minister James Marape has reiterated his government’s strong commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) as top national priorities.
Acknowledging the ongoing challenges of violence against women and the structural barriers to gender equality, Prime Minister James Marape will lead a high-level parliamentary event on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ahead of National Women’s Day on March 24.
This significant gathering, set to be held at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will bring together Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners.
The event will focus on legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and actionable strategies to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea.
This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the National Parliament and the State Function Room, will convene Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders, and international development partners to discuss legislative reforms, institutional commitments, and practical measures to combat GBV in Papua New Guinea.
To emphasise the national urgency of this issue, the event will begin with a suspension of parliamentary question time, ensuring that GBV and gender equality take centre stage in Parliament.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, as Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GBV & GEWE, will present key findings and recommendations, highlighting the legislative gaps, policy shortcomings, and urgent structural reforms needed to address GBV effectively.
Following this presentation, Parliament will adjourn, and discussions will continue in the State Function Room, where government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners will deliberate on practical, policy-driven solutions.
A stakeholders’ lunch meeting will feature prominent speakers and expert presentations on the status of women and GBV in Papua New Guinea.
Key speakers include:
• A young woman on behalf of all the women of PNG
• Hon. Jason Peter, MP – Minister for Community Development & Religion
• Mr. Richard Howard – United Nations Resident Coordinator
• Ms. Dianne Kambanei – Director of the GBV Secretariat (Department of Community Development & Religion)
• Mr. Clements Kanau – General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)
The Prime Minister will deliver an address, reaffirming his government’s commitment to legislative reforms, enhanced protection for women, and the enforcement of strict workplace policies against GBV.
Prime Minister Marape has emphasised that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that policy changes are necessary to protect women’s rights and ensure gender equality.
“This is not just a women’s issue — it is a national crisis. We must stand together as leaders, policymakers, and citizens to ensure that every woman and girl in Papua New Guinea lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination. My government is fully committed to driving real change, not just words, but action,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
The event is expected to generate strong media coverage, ensuring that the conversation on GBV and gender equality remains at the forefront of national discourse.
With MPs, civil society, and international partners working together, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for meaningful, long-term change in PNG.