Papua New Guinea (PNG) has taken a step in its fight against gender-based violence (GBV), with the launch of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat Safehouse Report and a new K1.5 million Civil Society Organization (CSO) GBV Grants Program.
The momentous event marks a renewed commitment to protecting survivors and strengthening support systems across the country.
Speaking at the launch, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Chair of the PPC-GEWE (Parliamentary Partnership Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment), described the occasion as a “monumental step forward” in the country’s journey to end GBV.
“Today’s launch is more than a ceremony – it is a declaration of hope accountability, and action.”
The Safehouse Report, presented alongside the launch, revealed that as of 2025, PNG has only 51 formal safe houses and 74 Family Support Centers (FSCs) – far below what is needed, especially in rural and remote areas.
With nearly 7 in 10 women expected to experience violence in their lifetime, and predictions estimating almost 8 million women affected by 2046, the social and economic cost is great.
Approximately, 6.2% of PNG’s GDP, is lost yearly due to GBV.
In response, the government is introducing a new National GBV Strategy (2026-2035), grounded in survivor-centered care, national accountability, and local leadership.
The strategy outlines measurable targets including:
- Halving the rates of GBV prevalence by 2035
- Achieving 100% provincial coverage of GBV secretariats
- Ensuring 60% rural access to survivor services
- Raising conviction rates for GBV cases to 25%
- Catalyzing a generational shift in attitudes, especially among our youth
- Ensuring every one of PNG’s districts has a well-resourced safehouse and FSC
A K15 million CSO (Civil Society Organization) GBV Grants Program, designed to empower civil society organizations, was also launched.
Governor Parkop praised Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development, Jason Peter for leading the initiative and acknowledged the role of the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) in bringing transformative action.
“This fund recognizes the vital leadership of CSOs. Their work saves lives, and now they will be better resourced to continue that mission.”
The new strategy to address gender-based violence will be supported by K180 million each year. This money will come from government development funds (DSIP/PSIP) and a proposed 2% tax on resource extraction industries like mining and logging.
To make sure the funds are used appropriately, and the strategy is working, there will be a National GBV Dashboard to track progress in real time, along with regular reviews through quarterly meetings (Policy Labs) and yearly audits.
Governor Parkop also acknowledged the active role of Diane Kambanei, Director of the National GBV Secretariat, in delivering the report and shaping the strategy.
He then ended his address with a call for unity across all sectors.
“The road ahead will not be easy, but our resolve is strong. Together, we can create a safer, more just, and more unified Papua New Guinea for generations to come.”