The prime minister is looking to make the Papua New Guinea (PNG) culture of polygamy illegal with potential jail time in an effort to protect the women folk in the country.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape announced his intention to pursue Legislation that will outlaw Polygamy in Papua New Guinea in the future, describing the move as part of a broader national effort to protect Women, strengthen families, and restore respect for Mothers and Daughters across the country.

Marape emphasized that while Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural traditions must be respected, certain practices that undermine the dignity and security of Women must be addressed through National Reform.

“Some good aspects of our culture must be preserved, but other practices that harm our families must be left behind,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Polygamy is one such issue that has contributed to many broken homes, children being left without proper support, and Women being treated unfairly.”

PM Marape said he intends to present a Policy Paper to the National Executive Council (NEC) to begin the process of introducing Legislation that would outlaw Polygamy in the future, with the proposed Law expected to take effect from around 2030 onward.

Under the proposed approach, existing arrangements would not be automatically invalidated, but the Law would prohibit new polygamous arrangements in the future.

“This is a Reform that we must consider carefully, but it is necessary if we are to protect the mothers and daughters of our country,” he said.

“The Law we propose will ensure that going forward, Polygamy will no longer be practiced in our country.”

The Prime Minister said the proposal reflects the Government’s commitment to addressing deeper social causes of Gender-Based Violence and inequality.

He emphasized that Women must no longer be viewed as property or commodities within society.

Prime Minister Marape noted that the proposed Law would also reinforce protections for Women within families, particularly in ensuring that Wives and Children are not abandoned or left without proper support.