Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea : UNFPA - the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health agency congratulates the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Prime Minister, the Hon. James Marape, on the release of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 2026–2035. This landmark demonstrates strong national leadership and a renewed commitment to ending GBV that continues to harm women and girls across the country.
Recent incidents across Papua New Guinea remind us why this strategy is urgently needed. In just the past few months, cases of sexual and domestic violence, murder of women, and attacks on women in public spaces have shaken communities, leaving survivors and families traumatized. Sixty Four (64) percent of women in Papua New Guinean report experience of GBV and report repeated violence at home, highlighting the gaps in prevention, support, and protection for vulnerable women and girls. GBV is not just a statistic-it is a lived reality that affects thousands of families every day.
Prime Minister Marape has fulfilled his promise from the last Special Parliamentary Session on GBV, emphasizing that ending GBV is a national priority. UNFPA commends his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to this cause, setting a powerful example for the nation and signalling that the government is serious about creating a safer, more equitable future for all women and girls.
“Papua New Guinea has taken a critical step forward by adopting a national strategy that prioritizes the safety, health, and rights of women and girls,” said Ms. Saira Shameem, UNFPA Representative in PNG. “Every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence and to fully exercise her sexual and reproductive health and rights. This strategy is a key step towards that goal, turning words into meaningful action.”
It was an honor for UNFPA to contribute to this landmark achievement through the National GBV Secretariat, the leadership of the Hon. Jason Peters, Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth, and the Honourable Powes Parkop, Governor of the National Capital District and Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
The strategy provides a framework for coordinated action, strengthening prevention efforts, expanding survivor-centered services, and mobilizing government institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and communities to work together to end GBV.
UNFPA also extends sincere thanks to the Government of Korea for their generous funding and support, which has been instrumental in developing and launching this landmark initiative.
Continued leadership, sustained investment, and collective action will be essential to ensure that all women and girls in Papua New Guinea can live in safety, dignity, and hope.
