Governor for Central Province, Rufina Peter is calling on immediate government action to address the alarming rates of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), after headlines from two of Papua New Guinea's daily papers on Wednesday 12th of February 2025 highlighted yet another unfortunate case of death caused by GBV. Governor Peter said that these front-page reports serve as reminder that PNG’s institutions remain ill-equipped in defending women and girls. “After 50 years of independence, this crisis demands more than just words—it demands urgent and decisive action.” She further outlined practical steps to address the issue of GBV: Prioritizing Counseling Services in Institutions The government is urged to promptly bolster and adequately finance professional counseling services within educational settings, workplaces, and public service organizations. It is essential that victims of violence and trauma receive appropriate psychological support, while efforts must also focus on rehabilitating offenders to disrupt the cycle of abuse. Restoring Public Confidence in Our Institutions The declining morale among our disciplined forces and public service entities is a clear indication of prolonged neglect and insufficient funding. When police officers, military personnel, and public servants feel demoralized and poorly equipped, their ability to protect and serve the community is compromised. The government must prioritize the revitalization of these institutions to restore public confidence and enhance law enforcement's effectiveness in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) cases. Respect for Women in All Spaces Violence against women is not just a women’s issue—it is a national crisis. Respect for women must be upheld in homes, workplaces, markets, and institutions. Cultural and systemic attitudes that perpetuate discrimination and violence must be challenged through strong leadership and grassroots engagement. Implementing Parliamentary Committee Recommendations The insights and proposals put forth by the Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV and the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment must not be ignored. The government is urged to show its dedication by actively implementing these recommendations, ensuring that policies lead to tangible actions and accountability. “The government cannot continue to make empty promises while the lives of women and children are at risk daily.” Gov Peter urged the PM James Marape and his cabinet to effectively allocate funding for GBV prevention and survivor support, ensure swift justice and hold perpetrators accountable, strengthen police and judiciary responses to GBV crime and invest in campaigns to promote women's rights and gender equality. “As a nation, we must ask ourselves: How many more reports, committee findings, and tragedies must we witness before real change happens? If we are serious about building a safe, fair, and just Papua New Guinea, the time for action is now.”