International Women’s Day Walking event echoes solidarity in supporting safer communities for all
［Goal 5］ Gender Equality
［Goal 17］ Partnerships for the Goals
2026.03.12
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The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 celebrations in Port Moresby brought together communities, partners including Government of PNG and Developing Partners, and women groups in a vibrant display of unity and empowerment.
JICA Staff members and their families after the walk
JICA Alumni Association members and their families during the walk
Guided by the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the unity walk on 8th of March 2026 commenced at Ela Beach and continued to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, where more than 1,500participants demonstrated their collective commitment to promoting safety, dignity, and equality for women and girls. The walk served as a powerful reminder that ending violence and upholding the rights of women and girls is a shared responsibility.
JICA PNG Office was pleased to support this initiative by providing 750 T-shirts designed specifically for IWD 2026. In addition to JICA, DFAT, UN WOMEN and NCDC also distributed T-shirts designed by JICA PNG Office to the participants.
CR & PM – JICA donated 750 shirts for the walk
JICA PNG Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki and Vivienne, a national staff member, gave a joint speech after the walk
During the program, several partner organizations delivered messages for solidarity. Representing JICA PNG Office, Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki emphasized that “it is everyone’s responsibility to take actions to correct harmful behavior that infringes on the rights of others... JICA’s core mission is human security for all. JICA will continue to support gender equality and women’s empowerment in PNG.”
Highlighting the significance of the day, National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop stressed the importance of giving women equal opportunities and recognizing their contributions, noting that they make up a half of PNG’s population. Also addressing participants, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape urged men to take responsibility in protecting and respecting women and girls within their homes.
Governor Hon. Powes Parkop speaking after the walk
PM Hon. James Marape giving a speech
JICA PNG Office will keep our efforts to advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in PNG! Yumi wok wantime long strongim ol meri bilong yumi!
You can also see the advocacy video made by JICA PNG with the link below.
(Facebook) Together We can End Gender Based Violence
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