City Sivarai

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has

reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advancing Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) as urgent national priorities.

Recognising the persistent challenges of violence against women and structural barriers to gender

equality, the Prime Minister will spearhead a high-level parliamentary event on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ahead of National Women’s Day on March 24.

This landmark event, scheduled to take place at the National Parliament and the State Function

Room, will convene Members of Parliament (MPs), key government agencies, civil society leaders,

and international development partners to discuss legislative reforms, institutional commitments,

and practical measures to combat GBV in Papua New Guinea.

To emphasise the national urgency of this issue, the event will begin with a suspension of

parliamentary question time, ensuring that GBV and gender equality take centre stage in

Parliament.

National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, as Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary

Committee on GBV & GEWE, will present key findings and recommendations, highlighting the

legislative gaps, policy shortcomings, and urgent structural reforms needed to address GBV

effectively.

Following this presentation, Parliament will adjourn, and discussions will continue in the State

Function Room, where government officials, civil society representatives, and international partners

will deliberate on practical, policy-driven solutions.

A stakeholders’ lunch meeting will feature prominent speakers and expert presentations on the status of women and GBV in Papua New Guinea. Key speakers include:

• A young woman on behalf of all the women of PNG

• Hon. Jason Peter, MP – Minister for Community Development & Religion

• Mr. Richard Howard – United Nations Resident Coordinator

• Ms. Dianne Kambanei – Director of the GBV Secretariat (Department of Community

Development & Religion)

• Mr. Clements Kanau – General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC)

The Prime Minister will deliver an address, reaffirming his government’s commitment to legislative reforms, enhanced protection for women, and the enforcement of strict workplace policies against GBV.

Prime Minister Marape has emphasised that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that policy changes are necessary to protect women’s rights and ensure gender equality.

“This is not just a women’s issue—it is a national crisis.

We must stand together as leaders, policymakers, and citizens to ensure that every woman and girl in Papua New Guinea lives free from fear, violence, and discrimination. My government is fully committed to driving real change, not just words, but action,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

The event is expected to generate strong media coverage, ensuring that the conversation on GBV

and gender equality remains at the forefront of national discourse.

With MPs, civil society, and international partners working together, this initiative will serve as a catalyst for meaningful, longterm change in Papua New Guinea.