Consultations begin to shape new national strategy on GBV in PNG

The review process for Papua New Guinea’s National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence [GBV] has officially launched, with consultations taking place in Alotau this week as part of the Southern Region's review.

This tour will collect valuable feedback from communities nationwide to assess the effectiveness of the existing 2016-2025 strategy and guide the creation of a new ten-year plan aimed at tackling GBV in the country.

Diane Kambanei, Director of the National GBV Secretariat, explained that the current strategy is nearing its conclusion, making the ongoing consultations essential for informing the development of a more effective framework.

"We are gathering input from all sectors to understand what has worked, what hasn’t, and what must be done moving forward," Kambanei said.

In Alotau, Kambanei met with key stakeholders, including government officials and civil society organizations, to discuss the successes and challenges faced by the current GBV strategy.

Milne Bay Provincial Administrator Dr. Igo Gari acknowledged the importance of the review, admitting that, in his view, the strategy had not been sufficiently promoted or advocated in the province.

However, Milne Bay is one of the few provinces with a dedicated GBV office, a step other provinces could learn from, according to Gari.

Following the Alotau consultations, the review team will continue its tour, visiting Mt. Hagen, Lae, Kokopo, Goroka, Buka, and the National Capital District [NCD]. The goal is to compile the findings and develop a new strategy by June 2025.

This nationwide effort aims to create a more inclusive and impactful approach to combatting gender-based violence, drawing on insights from all corners of the country.