Prime Minister James Marape has issued a strong call to action for all Papua New Guineans to unite in combating gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring the protection, respect, and empowerment of women across the nation.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he commended the efforts of Governor Powes Parkop and the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for their tireless efforts in addressing this crisis.
“This issue is no longer just a concern—it is an epidemic that threatens the very foundation of our society.
Women are not just our mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters; they are the backbone of our families and communities.
“Yet, they continue to suffer violence, discrimination, and injustice at alarming rates. This must stop,” PM Marape declared.
He challenged every man in Papua New Guinea, from leaders in Parliament to young men in rural villages, to reflect on their treatment of women and take personal responsibility for changing the culture of violence and neglect.
PM Marape reminded Parliament that no man would exist without a woman, emphasizing the critical role that women play in shaping families, communities, and the future of the nation.
“Ask yourself—where would you be without your mother? Do you love your mother? If you love your mother, why do we allow the continued abuse of women in our country? Why do we turn a blind eye to the suffering of our wives, daughters, and sisters?” he asked.
He highlighted the biblical significance of women, noting that God created women as partners, not subordinates, and that true leadership begins with respect and protection of women.
“In Genesis, God created Adam first, but He saw that Adam was incomplete. Woman was created as a helper, an equal partner.
If we truly claim to be a Christian nation, then we must live by this principle and treat our women with dignity and honour,” he stated.
With Papua New Guinea approaching its 50th Independence anniversary on 16 September 2025, Prime Minister Marape urged a national reset, calling on the government, law enforcement, communities, and individuals to take immediate and concrete steps towards ensuring a safer and more equal society for women.
“For 50 years, we have talked about development, about progress, about a brighter future for our country. But how can we claim success when our women continue to live in fear? Our sons must rise up to change this. The next 50 years of PNG’s future must be built on a foundation of respect for women,” he said.