Event: New approaches to tackling gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea
Rates of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea are among the highest in the world, with 70% of women experiencing some degree of physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. Children are also significantly affected. While much is said about the levels of violence, less is heard about important work being done in all sectors of Papua New Guinea to address this pervasive issue. The new approaches being taken warrant broader attention both within and outside of Papua New Guinea.
On 20 May, the Lowy Institute will bring together a panel of exceptional leaders from Papua New Guinea’s government, civil society and private sector. Anna Solomon is the Secretary for Papua New Guinea’s Department for Community Development and Religion and is leading the government’s response. Denga Ilave is the Operations Manager for Femili PNG, the Papua New Guinean NGO that runs the innovative Lae Case Management Centre. Kymberley Kepore is CEO of the Oil Search Foundation, which has made gender-based violence one of its top priorities. Kevin Byrne is the Deputy Chair of the Business Coalition for Women, a group of companies and corporate leaders who are working together to drive positive change for women and businesses in Papua New Guinea.
Anna Solomon is the Secretary of Papua New Guinea’s Department for Community Development and Religion. Secretary Solomon is leading the government response and played a central role in developing the first national strategy for gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea.
Denga Ilave is the Operations Manager for Femili PNG, a family and sexual violence case management centre in Lae. The organisation works directly with hundreds of adults and children affected by family and sexual violence. Femili PNG also undertakes outreach work and advocacy across PNG.
Kymberley Kepore is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oil Search Foundation, which has made gender-based violence one of its top priorities. In 2015, Oil Search, Papua New Guinea’s largest company, committed to a five-year Women’s Protection and Empowerment Strategy which will see the Company partner with organisations that use innovative solutions to end violence.
Kevin Byrne is the Deputy Chair of the Papua New Guinea Business Coalition for Women. The Coalition is the first organisation of its kind; a registered membership organisation made up of men and women who are committed to tackling inequality, stopping gender based violence and enabling companies to benefit more from female participation.
