Women, Communities & Police Addressing GBV

Women, communities and police addressing sexual and gender-based violence in the Highlands

Country: Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Partner: Kup Women for Peace

Funding source: IWDA supporters and UNIFEM Trust Fund Ending Violence Against Women

Issue: In PNG, violence is endemic, particularly in the Highlands. Deteriorating law and order, attributed to growing inequities and exacerbated by legacies of colonialism and inappropriate development, is contributing to rising violence, often against women. The impacts of violence are gendered, affecting women and men differently, and compound other major issues including the HIV epidemic, which disproportionately affects women.

Outline: The project supports local management, design and delivery of community gender training with local peace officers, mediators, police and community leaders. Sadly, however, during this year Kup Women for Peace have faced an extended period of tribal fighting which has not only resulted in loss of life, injuries and property damage, but has also severely disrupted community activities and destroyed vital infrastructure and services. IWDA continues to support Kup Women for Peace to rebuild their programs following the resolution of conflict through advocacy and organisational capacity building

Impact: Recent conflict has highlighted the integral importance of community-based and community-led peace building initiatives and, although the specific activities of this project have been placed on hold while the security situation is being resolved, IWDA looks forward to working with Kup Women for Peace as they continue their valuable work.

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