The issue of gender equality and women's empowerment was discussed by Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Wednesday, November 13th at the final day of the Women's Summit and Expo. He emphasized the significance of men's role in protecting and empowering women, starting in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities, as the solution to the gender equality problem. Drawing on his own experiences of avoiding domestic violence in similar situations, he utilized the platform to urge males in PNG to abstain from violence against women and domestic abuse. The Prime Minister was addressing the closing of the National Capital District Commission on Women and Girls' Empowerment's "NCD Women's Summit and Expo," a three-day summit and expo that started on Monday, November 11, 2024, and finished on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Stakeholders from the public and business sectors, as well as the diplomatic community, convened for a three-day summit in the nation's capital to examine challenges that require government assistance. On behalf of the males, Prime Minister Marape then took the time to apologize to the nation's female residents for not doing more to protect and empower women and girls. He claimed that although women make up half of the population and contribute to the nation's progress, they are hindered by the male population's lack of support. In PNG, where matrilineal customs are prevalent and women are cultivated as leaders and hold title positions in land ownership, he emphasized the traditional responsibilities that women have played in society. Although they did not own land and were unable to speak directly at clan and tribe meetings, Prime Minister Marape also emphasized that women still held a position of authority in the patrilineal areas. "We have lost our way along the way, and we need to change that now as the 50 years of self-determination arrive." The Prime Minister emphasized that the safeguard and empowerment of women must start at home. "I call on all the men and boys whose families have grandmothers, mothers, sisters, nieces, and daughters to step up in their roles as the champions of women empowerment in their families." He continued by saying that the national government's efforts will only make the work of the international community obsolete with the help of the families, which form the foundation of society. He urged all boys and men in PNG to take the initiative and support the cause of women's empowerment in their households. The Prime Minister also promised the women of PNG that his government would continue to fund safety and women's empowerment initiatives in the nation, which they had initiated during the 2020 pandemic, and pledged to mobilize support from the National Parliament to address the recommendations made during the summit. In his appeal for harsher punishments for those who commit gender-based violence, Prime Minister Marape urged women to report such crimes to the police, let the rule of law take its course, and refuse to have their cases dropped when the offenders offer a compensation settlement.