International Women’s Day with Unity and Purpose!

On Saturday, 8th March, a vibrant and empowering solidarity walk took place to commemorate the International Women’s Day. The walk kicked off at Ela Beach at 6:00AM and made its way to the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, drawing participants from the UN, CIS, Soroptimist International, NCDC, NGOs and CSOs and other government partners including JICA staff, and their families.

The walk brought people together to celebrate the achievements of women while raising awareness for gender equality. Upon arrival at the stadium, attendees did some cool down stretches and were treated to inspiring speeches and lively performances. There were stalls from, Equal Playing Field, the NCD Province Health Authority and other partners.

Deputy Country Representative for the UN Women, Ms. Tosin Akibu, during her speech provided alarming data of Gender based violence occurrences in PNG stating that 56% of women experience physical violence and 28% experience Sexual violence. She went on to state that according to the Human Rights Watch Report from 2021, a woman is beaten every 30 seconds in PNG. She ended her speech by asking the audience to take responsibility and action to stop Gender Based violence and Violence against Women and Girls in PNG.

JICA PNG Office, Chief Representative also in his speech, addressed the issue of violence against women and girls in PNG, he further stated that JICA’s core mission was Human Security for everybody and therefore JICA would continue to support Gender Equality and Women empowerment in PNG.

NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, also took part in the IWD Walk and in his closing remarks, gave a strong speech, again stressing on the alarming rate of Gender based violence and he urged the audience to help make PNG a better place for our women and Girls. The event concluded with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony by Hon. Powes Parkop to Launch Strategic Partnership to tackle Gender Based Violence and Violence against Women and Girls in PNG.

Thank you to all the participants for making this day a memorable one!