Bel Isi PNG condemns the brutal attacks on women and girls

Bel Isi PNG is appalled by the recent number of tragic and brutal sexual assaults and murders of women in Port Moresby as well as the ongoing level of family violence perpetrated against women in Papua New Guinea.

We strongly condemn these acts of crime and call upon Government to lead all sectors of society including private sector, community leaders, law enforcement and individuals to take immediate, decisive action to address the increasingly escalating issue of violence against women and girls.

We urge the implementation of stronger legal protections, prosecution of perpetrators, more accessible support systems for survivors, and the creation of awareness programs that challenge harmful gender norms and attitudes.

This appalling epidemic is inflicting devastating harm on women, families, and communities nationwide and has significant impacts to our ability to develop and enjoy a just and safe Papua New Guinea for all.

The escalating prevalence of family and sexual violence, gender-based violence and sorcery accusation-related violence is at crisis point and we cannot turn away.

Bel Isi PNG has worked extensively with our private sector subscribers and partners as well as Government partners to address family and sexual violence using the workforce as an entry point but we need many more to join in taking up this challenge.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have tragically lost their daughters, sisters, and mothers to these senseless crimes.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Bel isi PNG on 79169063 or contact us through the Bel isi PNG website: Bel isi PNG

Bel Isi PNG Inc.

UNITED IN COURAGE; L-R: Tovi Amona - Santos Foundation, Programme Manager for Gender, Wayne Kasou – SVP, PNG Stakeholder Management, Sigurdur Jonsson - VP PNG Operations, Leon Buskens – Country Chair PNG, Jodie Hatherly – CEO Santos Foundation and Lance Davis – Security Manager PNG.

Santos and Santos Foundation have formally launched Thursdays in Black, United in Courage campaign which calls for greater advocacy, leadership and solidarity against all forms of gender-based violence. At the event launch held in the Port Moresby office on Thursday 3 October 2024, staff wore black and took up the United in Courage call to action to speak up about violence, to help prevent it in all its forms and to be accountable for their actions in their homes and communities.

As a reminder of the devastating impacts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) and the urgent need to unite in courage against violence, Tovi Amona, Santos Foundation Programme Manager for Gender shared the story of Kepari Leniata, a 20-year-old woman accused of sorcery before being publicly humiliated, tortured and burnt alive in 2013. “We are here today to become part of the solution in addressing violence especially GBV and to stand up for all those who are affected by violence and to call out unacceptable behaviour.”

Leon Buskens, Country Chair PNG said: “For most of our existence as a company, Santos has become a leader in the industry playing an active role in contributing towards addressing violence, especially violence against women. Through our Medical service which offers referrals for confidential and professional counselling and support, the Bel isi PNG initiative that provides case management and safe house options to providing paid leave for staff who are affected by violence.”

Our employees and contractors are also champions of change in their communities and strive to do better every day.

This is in line with our values to be accountable and to build a better future.” Jodie Hatherly, CEO for Santos Foundation thanked all staff for supporting the important campaign and urged them to use it to drive the conversation on GBV.

Lance Davis, Security Manager PNG was invited to give a keynote address on the role of men in changing the narrative on gender-based violence in PNG based upon moral obligation and Christian principles. “If we all understood our roles, the purpose of a man is to protect and provide for his family and to be a safe refuge and source of comfort.” The powerful testimony by Lance was then followed by the Thursdays in Black, United in Courage Call To Action led by Sigurdur Jonsson, VP PNG Operations to hold everyone accountable for their words and actions. “Also remember you are not alone, and that help is available through our own Medical service. Speak up and speak to someone if you are experiencing violence.”

TotalEnergies Bel isi PNG Workplace Contact Team with Certificate Presentation, Sept 27 2024.

In September 2024, a dedicated group of volunteers, including Tetiyanah Copland, Pokiap Kusuna, Samantha Kuman, Lillian Gurina, and Helen Paulisbo, participated in a two-day Workplace Contact Team Training.

Each volunteer had a personal motivation to contribute to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).

The training, held on September 10-11, provided valuable insights into the different types of abuse, signs and symptoms to identify survivors, and the role of a Focal Point. The training had a female to male ratio of 5:1, highlighting the strong female representation in this initiative.

Bung Wantaim, or townhall meetings, serve as an essential platform for staff and management to gather, either in person or virtually.

These forums are crucial for promoting Bel isi PNG and the services available to staff and contractors. Given the endemic nature of FSV in PNG society and its significant impact on work performance, Bung Wantaim is an opportune moment to raise awareness and encourage collective action against FSV.

Sustainability Tok underscores the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. By discussing Bel isi PNG, the company demonstrates its duty of care. One Total (TEP/TEM) has maintained an annual subscription to Bel isi PNG since 2022, reflecting its ongoing support. The key takeaway from Sustainability Tok is the importance of continuous engagement and awareness to foster a safe and supportive work environment.

Group picture of the 2024 Family and Sexual Violence Forum hosted by The PNG Business Coalition for Women with the support of its member companies, CSO’s and Stakeholders.

Each year, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) hosts its Annual Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Forum, which coincides with the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism. This year, on November 21, 2024, the forum focused on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), aligning with the global campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating against all forms of violence.

The primary goal of this year’s forum was to raise awareness of SARV by educating participants on its causes and the wide-reaching impacts it has on individuals, communities, workplaces, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a whole. The event also aimed to provide BCFW Family and Sexual Violence Workplace Contact Teams and private sector organizations with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively address these critical issues.

The FSV Forum serves as an important platform for BCFW’s member companies to engage in discussions about Family and Sexual Violence. Held on November 21, 2024, the forum carried the theme ‘Highlighting the Rise of SARV’. The forum’s objective was to inform participants about the impact of SARV, its underlying causes, and its effects on both individuals and society.

By the conclusion of the forum, attendees gained a clear understanding of SARV, the legal framework and penalties in place to address it, as well as the available services, initiatives, and approaches implemented by both organizations and the government. The event also provided insights into the social norms surrounding SARV and highlighted areas where specific interventions are needed from companies, support services, advocates, the media, and the government.

Bel isi PNG subscribers who participated in the forum included Exxon Mobil, DT Global, Steamships, Australia Awards, Santos, BSP Financial Group Limited, Australia High Commission and Total Energies.

Reached the end of the walk. Bel isi PNG Board Chair Jean Martin, Governor for NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop, Deputy Head of Mission Australian High Commission to PNG, Dr Joanne Loundes and Head of Delegation for the EU, H.E Jacques Fradin.

Private sector, public, government partners and communities across Port Moresby united on November 22 in a powerful call to end violence against women and girls at the 2024 Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) Walk held in Port Moresby.

For a fifth year Bel isi PNG hosted the EVAW walk, partnering with subscribing private, public and government partners to give prominence to this year’s theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence”, calling for unity and solidarity against gender-based violence, emphasising the collective responsibility to create a safer society.

Bel isi PNG is a partnership between the private and public sectors and civil society organisations, dedicated to ending violence against women in Papua New Guinea and every year Bel isi PNG hosts this event to raise awareness, empower individuals to report violence, and support survivors in their healing journey.

Supported by Australia through the PNG-Australia Partnership and managed by the Santos Foundation, Bel isi PNG hosts two major events annually, a leadership forum in May and the EVAW walk commemorating EVAW day during the PNG 20 days of human rights activism in November.

This year’s walk included participation from NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Australian High Commission Deputy Head of Mission Dr Joanne Loundes, Department for Community Development, Bel isi PNG Board Director Doreen Iga and Bel isi PNG Chair Jean Martin.

Various community leaders, government representatives, and NGOs joined the walk, advocating for stronger policies and resources to address violence against women

Dr Loundes highlighted Australia was committed to supporting a safer and more inclusive PNG society, including through the work of Bel isi PNG. “This annual walk serves as a powerful reminder that every voice matters in the fight against violence, and together with community leaders, government partners, and the private sector we can strengthen our efforts to protect and uplift women and girls in all their diversity across Papua New Guinea,” said Dr Loundes.

Ms Martin thanked participants and corporate supporters, stating, “In 2023, your support enabled Bel isi PNG assist 400 survivors, ensuring support from arranging Interim Protection Orders, to providing safe house accommodation as well as improving coordination of services for survivors through other safe houses and government partners. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital work’.

As eager participants marched from Konedobu Oval to Downtown, Port Moresby waving call to action flags stating the national 20 days of human rights activism theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence, local musician performances further amplified the message of unity, respect, and resilience.

With growing support each year, organisers are determined to continue driving change, calling for more action and support for those in need.

Ms Mirriam Dogimab, Co-Facilitator of the consultative workshop for Bel isi PNG Stakeholders giving an overview of the workshop.

Bel isi PNG Inc. has commenced negotiations for Phase two funding with the Australian government through the PNG Women Lead (PNGWL) program. In September, a consultative workshop was conducted, with over 30 Stakeholder participants. The workshop objectives were to:

1.   Explore and confirm with referral pathway and other stakeholders the full set of recommendations from the Bel isi PNG Phase 1 Evaluation and how these have been addressed in the Phase 2 design of Bel isi PNG Inc

2.      Discuss and explore the core components of the full design for Phase 2 of Bel isi PNG Inc

3.      Gain a shared understanding of and identify emerging opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between the PNG Government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders across the next five-year strategy for Bel isi PNG Inc.

The workshop was opened by Mr. Jerry Ubase, Secretary of the Dept. for Community Development & Religion and was attended by representatives of the National GBV Secretariat and NCDC Family, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Unit. Evonne Kennedy, Bel isi PNG Inc Board member and Executive Director of the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), also welcomed participants on behalf of the Bel isi PNG Board.

Two important aspects that phase two will address include:

• Communication with subscribers

Improving communication with subscribers by all partners was endorsed as a critical priority for this next phase.

All new subscribers receive a formal letter from Bel isi PNG Inc which includes advice on wat they can expect from their subscription.

Participants endorsed the recommendation to hold regular face to face meetings with subscribers twice a year (bi-ennially) and for the Bel isi PNG Secretariat, BCFW, and the Bel isi PNG CMC and Safe House to present a summary of key data at these events. The need for subscribers to receive good and deidentified and disaggregated data and information was confirmed as very important to the next phase.

• Working with men

The challenges of focusing on the needs of men as survivors and as perpetrators was raised in many sessions during the day. This was seen as one of the big challenges and opportunities for private sector leaders to make an impact. Subscribers are very keen to be involved in these discussions and to be supported to consider how to work with men in the workplace and through developing new approaches.

Phase two negotiations are underway, with the proposal currently under review by the Bel isi PNG Board. Once approved by the Board, the proposal will be submitted to PNGWL for funding for a further 5 year funding from the Australian Government.

This newsletter will provide updates in the new year on the progress of the proposal.

Ms Jean Martin, Head of Santos Foundation and Chair, Bel isi PNG with the Platts Global Energy Awards, Corporate Impact Award-Targeted Program (Bel isi PNG)

On Thursday 12th December, Santos Foundation was announced as the winner of the Corporate Impact Award- Targeted Program at the Platts Global Energy Awards in New York.

The award was in recognition of the Foundation’s contributions to Bel isi PNG initiative, a private, public and civil society organisation partnership, aimed at addressing family and sexual violence (FSV) at the workplace.

Bel isi PNG has assisted over 2,000 women, men and children in Port Moresby since inception in 2018. Whenthe initiative was first established, there were nine subscribing companies. Today, this number has increased to 19, with a new company signing the agreement in November. This will bring the number of subscribing companies to 20 in 2025.

The Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program recognizes organizations that have amplified their responsibility as a global citizen with a concentration on a singular community program. This award is open to all companies in the energy space, including producers, traders, retailers, and exchanges.*

*Corporate Impact Award - Targeted Program

Companies and individuals from 33 countries were selected as finalists for the Platts Global Energy Awards program, now in its 26th year as the industry's premier recognition event. The 2024 finalists, nearly 56% of which hail from outside of the United States, were just announced by program host S&P Global Commodity Insights, the leading global independent provider of data, insights, analysis and benchmark prices for the commodities, metals, petrochemicals, energy and energy transition markets.

Often described by attendees as the "Oscars" of energy, the Platts Global Energy Awards recognize corporate and individual innovation, leadership, and exemplary performance in 19 categories spanning the entire energy and chemicals complex.

Story Link here:  https://press.spglobal.com/2024-09-05-Finalists-Announced-for-the-26th-Annual-Platts-Global-Energy-Awards

Bel isi PNG is proudly supported by the following key partners: The Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, Santos, BSP, Steamships, Santos Foundation, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), G4S and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC)

Bel isi PNG Chair, Jean Martin, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and Bel isi PNG Deputy Chair Doreen Iga after the EVAW walk.

Bel isi PNG would like to welcome back its subscribers to the December 2024 edition of the Bel isi PNG newsletter.

We apologise for not being able to produce the 3rd quarter newsletter due to a couple of changes within Bel isi PNG. This edition hopes to inform subscribing companies on the plans for Bel isi PNG and progress of the transition.

This year, Bel isi PNG recruited Ms Joan Maima as the new Executive Director in April. However, upon completion of the probationary period in September, Ms Maima departed from Bel isi PNG Inc. We would like to wish Joan all the very best in her future endeavours. In the meantime, Santos Foundation will place Tovi Amona on secondment to the role of Acting Executive Director during this transition period in 2025. New recruitment notice will be broadcasted in 2025 for several key positions in Bel isi PNG Inc., including an Executive Director.

This edition would like to congratulate Jean Martin, Head of Santos Foundation as the new Board Chair for Bel isi PNG Inc. Jean brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Bel isi PNG in gender and health spaces. We would also like to acknowledge Doreen Iga’s appointment as Deputy Chair and Stephen Howse as the Treasurer.

Special shout out to Samantha Kuman and Hosea James from TotalEnergies who MC’d at the EVAW walk. Bel isi PNG is greatly appreciative of your time, efforts, energy and the professionalism you brought to the event.

We close the year off with some exciting news. Santos Foundation was announced as the winner of the Platts Global Energy Awards under the Corporate Impact Category - Targeted Program for its contributions to Bel isi PNG. Congratulations to Santos Foundation, Bel isi PNG, its Board and partners, the Australian Government, BSP, Santos, Steamships, BCFW, Femili PNG, G4S and NCDC on an impactful program.

Staff from Steamships, posing with their certificates. They completed the two the 2 day Workplace Contact Team Training.

In June, the Business Coalition for Women, in partnership with Bel Isi PNG Inc, successfully conducted two Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Workplace Contact Team Trainings for Steamships and Easy Skill as part of their Bel isi PNG subscriptions.

During the 2-day training, participants gained in-depth knowledge about Family and Sexual Violence, its profound impact on the workplace, and how the training integrates into their companies' strategies for addressing FSV. The sessions also covered referral pathways within the community, detailed the benefits of the Bel isi subscription, and provided comprehensive information on where individuals facing violence and abuse can seek help.

Additionally, participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical exercises, including reviewing and understanding their respective company FSV policies. These activities were designed to enhance their understanding and ability to support colleagues affected by FSV. The training aimed to equip employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to create a safer and more supportive workplace environment.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Steamships, Easy Skill, and other member companies to foster safer workplaces and provide ongoing support in addressing FSV.

Pictured above are members of the Santos Foundation team with Santos Ltd Managing Director and CEO, Kevin Gallagher, Santos Foundation CEO, Jodie Hatherly and Santos PNG Country Chair, Leon Buskens.

A program committed to changing attitudes towards and supporting family and sexual violence survivors in Papua New Guinea has topped an exceptional list of nominees for the inaugural Santos Foundation Project or Program of the Year.

The Bel isi PNG program received the recognition at Santos 20th Directors’ Environmental Health Security Safety (EHSS) Awards on 9th April 2024.

Other finalists nominated for the inaugural award included two impactful programs - Pimaga Rural Hospital Solar Mini-Grid and Pimaga Vocational Educational Training (VET) Centre.

The awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence in innovation, efficiency, teamwork, and leadership across the organization.

The Bel isi PNG program is a public-private partnership that aims to encourage the corporate sector, in collaboration with the government and civic society, to take a transformative role in changing attitudes towards family and sexual violence while also providing access to immediate care and support for survivors.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation and its partners, Toviraka Amona, Program Manager - Gender, said: “Bel isi PNG works because of the collaboration of all its partners.

We are now focusing on our sustainability plans, with Santos Foundation transitioning Bel isi PNG to a standalone entity with the support of our partners”.

Head of Santos Foundation PNG Jean Martin described Bel isi as a real passion project for many at the Foundation, not only for the work it has taken to keep the model functioning but also for the many hundreds of lives it has now touched.

“Every minute, a woman or child needs help for family violence, I am proud that Santos continues to support a service that stands ready to respond,” she said.

Bel isi PNG’s success has been a result of the great partnership with all involved including the Santos Foundation, the Australian Government, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Steamships, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), security firm G4S and the National Capital District Commission, as well as many others that have contributed to the success of this program.

Bel isi PNG thanks the ongoing support of the key donor partners: Australian Government, Santos, BSP, Steamships Trading Co.

The Initiative also thanks its implementing partners, Santos Foundation, Femili PNG, BCFW, G4S and NCDC.

Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell, US Ambassador-at-Large Greeta Rao Gupta and US Assistant Secretary Witkowsky, with Femili PNG CEO and Bel isi PNG Case Management Staff .

Bel isi PNG received high level visits and donations from partners in PNG and Australia.

In the month of May, the case management centre (CMC) was visited by two high level delegates from Australia and the US Embassy. Visiting the CMC was the Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus- Campbell and her US counterpart, US Ambassador-at- Large Greeta Rao Gupta and US Assistant Secretary Witkowsky . During the visit, the delegates were given an overview of the Bel isi PNG program and the opportunity to speak to the CMC staff. The visit also included gifting of donations by staff from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.

Following this, the Santos Foundation CEO, Jodie Hatherly also paid a visit to the CMC. She was accompanied by the Head of Santos Foundation PNG, Jean Martin, who is also a Board member of Bel isi PNG. Again, the visitors were given an opportunity to learn about the Bel isi PNG program and speak to staff at the CMC and ask questions. Jodie presented donations sent in by the Santos Planning, Tax, Group Finance and Insurance teams in Adelaide, as well as from Helen Toney of Santos Brisbane.

It was during Jodie’s visit that she presented the CMC with the Santos EHSS Award to Bel isi PNG for winning the Santos Foundation Program/Project of the year award.

The CMC was also visited by a Board Director from Santos Foundation, Peter Hearl. This was Peter’s first visit to Port Moresby as Santos Foundation Board Member.

He was grateful to the Bel isi PNG CMC staff for the work they do with survivors of violence.

Bel isi PNG would like to thank the staff at the Australian High Commission and Santos for the donations, as well as the companies and private citizens who continue to support the CMC through donations.

Bel isi PNG is grateful for these donations, given most survivors of violence leave with only the clothes on their backs. These donations are given to women and children who need of support and relief from an already traumatic situation.

1. What is your favourite food? A PNG cuisine cooked a certain way.

   Baked sweet potato (kaukau) in lots of coconut cream

2. What’s your favourite movie?

   The mask. This is also my 9 year old’s favourite.

3. What is the one place you would love to visit?

   Climb PNG’s highest mountain, Mt Wilhelm.

4. Favourite past time?

   Spending time with children at the beach.

5. When did you join Bel isi PNG Inc.?

   Started on the last week of April of this year.

6. What drew you to Bel isi PNG Inc.?

   Looking at the partnership within the private sector itself and how the private sector is working to address Family Sexual Violence (FSV) got me interested in the role. The model Bel isi PNG Inc. is built on looks to be very sustainable and I look forward to being a part of that.

7. What were your prevoius roles/jobs?

   Prior to joining Bel isi PNG Inc., I had been employed mostly within the civil society organizations (CSO) with Eastern Highlands Family Voice, CSO located in Goroka and before that, the international non-government organization, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for nature.

8. What does your current role involve?

   My current role involves providing oversight to Bel isi PNG activities and maintain partnerships involved in the implementation of Bel PNG initiative. This includes ensuring the transition of Bel isi PNG to the standalone entity, Bel isi PNG Inc. This means, making sure that there are processes and organizational governance and structures in place to ensure that Bel isi PNG Inc. operates as an independent entity.

9. Why is this work important to you?

   It’s the passion. I am passionate about working to ensure that women are empowered in the decisions they make for their own lives. It also important for me to ensure that there is a safe space where women can go to for support.

10. What are three things people can do now to make a difference to GBV in PNG?

    i) Start at home. Sensitize and educate children, especially sons to be good respectful human beings in their families, communities and societies.

    ii) Be advocate in your home, in your community and your society.

    iii) Partnerships. You cannot achieve a lot of things without partnerships. I recall the quote offered by a panel member at the recent Leadership Forum, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” and I think it makes perfect sense when we talk about partnerships.

Dr Joanne Loundes, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission to PNG. Dr Loundes provided the keynote address at the 4th Leadership Forum.

Bel isi PNG proudly organised the 4th Leadership Forum at the Hilton Hotel since inception at the Hilton Hotel.

In attendance were the Governor for NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop, NCD City Manager, Ravu Frank, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission to PNG, Dr. Joanne Loundes and the European Union Ambassador, H.E Jacques Farindi and Bel isi PNG Board members.

The welcome address was delivered by the Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray, followed by keynote address by Dr Loundes. During her address, Dr Loundes noted the continued support by the Australian Government to Bel isi PNG in addressing family and sexual violence (FSV).

A panel discussion addressing the theme of the evening, “Creating Safe Spaces through Building Partnership: 5 years and beyond” followed.

The panel included Dr Loundes (Australian High Commission), Rupert Bray (Steamships), Vavine Mulina (TotalEnergies) and Simon Barnes (DT Global). Moderating the discussion was Ayesha Lutschini, Team Leader for the PNG Women Lead program.

The discussion centred around what safe spaced meant to the panelists and how their organizations have created safe spaces for their staff to disclose experiences of family & sexual violence (FSV) at the workplace.

One of the challenges noted during the panel discussion was staff having confidence and trust in internal referral system when experiencing FSV. However, during the discussions, it was noted that the education sessions have improved staff ability to come forward and disclose FSV incidences and seek support.

During this event, two of the implementing partners were also celebrated as they achieve 10 year anniversaries this year. These are Femili PNG and Business Coalition for Women (BCFW). A slide show demonstrated the work that two organizations have done in addressing FSV.

Bel isi PNG partners thank Femili PNG and BCFW for the continued partnership.

The evening was closed off by Governor Parkop, commending the private sector’s leadership in addressing FSV at the workplace, noting similar support in the public sector and how learnings can be shared to improve FSV response for employees in the public sector as well.

Bel isi PNG would like to thank all the partners for their support in organizing the event and the participants that attended the Leadership Forum.

Pictured above are some of the representatives from subscribing companies with the Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray.

The inaugural Bel isi PNG Annual General Meeting (AGM) was conducted in May this year. This is the first time an AGM has been held for the organisation since its transition to a standalone entity.

Joining the AGM were Board members and representatives from subscribing companies. These included representation from 13 of the 19 subscribing companies. The AGM was conducted in person at the Steamships @345 building, with two of the Board members and three company reps dialing in via Teams.

Discussion at the AGM included amendments to the Constitution to waive membership fees for implementing partners that do not currently pay any subscription fee. This was agreed to by those present and will allow for clarity on the status of nonpayment founding Board members.

Bel isi PNG subscribing companies as of June 2024 include:

1. Air Niugini

2. Australia Awards

3. Australian High Commission

4. Bank South Pacific Ltd

5. Brian Bell Group Ltd

6. Buk Bilong Pikinini

7. DT Global

8. Easy Skill Ltd

9. ExxonMobil PNG Ltd

10. Kina Bank Ltd

11. Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd

12. Nambawan Super Ltd

13. PNGFM Ltd

14. Santos PNG Ltd

15. Steamships Trading Co.

16. TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd

17. UNDP Ltd

18. Westpac (PNG) Bank Ltd

19. World Bank

Outgoing Bel isi PNG Chair and Managing Director - Steamships Trading Co. with Steamships staff at the Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum.

The Bel isi PNG transition is currently underway and several things have been achieved during the set up of Bel isi PNG Inc. as a standalone organisation.

The Bel isi PNG Board approved the appointment of Joan Maima as the new Executive Director for Bel isi PNG Inc. towards the end of April with a 6 month probation. Joan brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the civil society organisations.

Bel isi PNG Inc. would like to acknowledge the departure of the current Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray. Some of the commitments Rupert has been instrumental in since his appointment as Board Chair have included providing oversight to the transition of Bel isi PNG to a standalone organisation and chairing both the inaugural Bel isi PNG Board and the first ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ma 2024. On behalf of Bel isi PNG and partners, we would like to thank Rupert’s meaningful contributions in addressing Family & Sexual Violence (FSV) in PNG. Tenkyu tru Rupert and we wish you all the very best in your new exciting role.

Sr Goiye and the team at Wabag General Hospital share how they saved a young mother's life using the NASG. Photo: UNFPA/Sr Goiye

A mother of five children from Sari Village in Enga Province, found herself having a near-death experience after she faced complications during childbirth, delivering her sixth child at the Wabag General Hospital.

“This young mother came into the labour ward already 6cm dilated,” shared Sr. Mirriam Goiye, midwife at the Wabag General Hospital Labour Ward.

“Without giving time to the cervix to fully dilate, this mother started pushing and eventually gave birth to a baby girl, weighing 2.7 kilograms.”

Following the delivery, the mother was bleeding and her vitals turned as she went into shock. Shock is a condition brought on by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Without enough blood circulating through the body’s vital organs, shock can lead to life-threatening complications. Fortunately for this young mother, her made a decision to deliver her baby at the hospital and the team was equipped to respond.

Sr. Goiye, who has been a midwife at the hospital for four years, said when she realized that the mother was in shock due to the loss of blood, she instructed her colleagues to use the Nonpneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG), a piece of equipment used to treat shock .

“This mother had already lost three litres of blood,” recalls Sr. Goiye. “I knew that the Anti-Shock Garment would be the only way we could save this mother's life and we did. We managed to stabilize her until the doctors arrived and took her in for further monitoring.”

However, had this young mother attended the hospital just weeks prior, the outcome may have been different.

Sr. Mirriam Goiye and 15 other health workers from three health facilities in Enga Province were part of an Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) training facilitated by the United Nations Population Fund through the funding support of the USAID, and facilitated by Senior Medical Doctor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. Anthonia Kumbia from the Wabag General Hospital.

The training not only taught practicing providers new techniques for managing childbirth complications but also introduced them to a Safe Delivery App, a mobile phone application which provides assistance to midwives and other professionals throughout the stages of labour.

Dr. Kumbia, who led the week-long training, said these health facilities had adequate clinical caseloads and were able to apply knowledge learned, including the Safe Delivery App which will help them when it comes to case management and self-learning.

“The training enabled them to gain extra knowledge from what they learned previously and some new knowledge also. This made them more confident to care for patients. The presentation on the Cradle VSA blood pressure monitoring was a new thing for everyone and the session on the NASG was new for a few of the participants.”

That new knowledge enabled Sr. Goiye to save a life. Dr. Kumbia acknowledged the importance of these skills and training for the health workers to apply the best and up-to date practices in the obstetrics and gynecology and midwifery fields.

“This training builds on what they have learned during undergraduate, postgraduate and in-service training and introduces them to new knowledge too,” she said. “It empowers our health workers to continue to provide quality healthcare services.”

In thanking UNFPA for providing the training, Sr. Mirriam Goiye shared her gratitude for the EMONC training; without it, a mother's life would have been lost. “We saved a life because we had the knowledge on how to apply the NASG. Thank you UNFPA.”

Story link here: https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nNp9CL7rqrtDOZn6Sqs4tu?domain=png.unfpa.org

Jayda Wedjor receiving the Dignity Kit/bucket from a UNFPA staff

A young mother delivers a healthy baby at Matkomnai Health Facility, Western Province.

Like most mothers in rural Papua New Guinea, with limited access to shops and supplies for newborn care, Mrs Jayda Wedjor’s priority was to focus on a safe delivery, and the material needs would need to be addressed later. She thus arrived at the Matkomnai Health Facility with minimal basic needs for herself and the new baby.

“I had no nappies, clothes or even a blanket for my baby. My main priority was to have a safe delivery at the health facility and so I did not want these issues to stop me from going to the health center,‘ Ms. Jayda shared.

“I was ashamed of not having anything for my newborn, to cover him at the least. This was until Sr. Agnes Steven gave me a baby bucket filled with newborn clothes and a blanket for my son. I was happy. I cannot afford these things back home and I really do appreciate this dignity kit.”

Midwife and Officer-in-Charge of the Matkomnai Health Facility, Sr. Agnes Steven confirmed the increase in health center deliveries since introducing Dignity Kits (buckets) to mothers.

“In 2022 we saw an 80% increase in mothers coming in for supervised deliveries and a 90% increase in 2023 since we started giving out the Dignity Kits to the mothers and their newborns.”

The United Nations Population Fund through its Humanitarian Response Programme provided a total of 150 Dignity Kits to eight facilities in the Western Province in 2021. From these, Matkomnai Health Facility received 20 Dignity kits (buckets). These kits contained basic hygiene supplies for mothers and essentials for babies such as napkins, blankets and clothes.

“From our 20 DK’s we have already distributed 17 of these kits to mothers, especially after assessing their situations. We give according to what they need at the moment. This has encouraged more mothers to come to the health facility and deliver their babies, hence the significant increase in the last two years” Sr. Agnes shared.

“We have completed distributing our Dignity Kits with one of the remaining 3 being given to Ms. Jayda and her newborn son.” Sr. Agnes continued to share the different challenges she faces in her health center with limited beds and space for delivery, nil stock of medicines and proper lighting during delivery. However, she said it is simple gestures like these donations that made the job worthwhile. “We lack many important equipment and medicines in the hospital, especially in the area of maternal health and safe deliveries but when we see mothers happy and smiling when receiving their ignity kits, we forget our own woes at the health center.”

“Thank you UNFPA for supplying these kits. It has indeed helped and encouraged women to deliver their babies at the health center.”

Story Iink here: https://png.unfpa.org/en/news/dignity-kit-helps-local-kiunga-mother-and-her-newborn

Some of the BSP participants to the Business & Professional Women’s Breakfast in commemoration of International Women’s Day at the Hilton Hotel.

BSP organised an Awareness on Common Cancers in Women facilitated by Dr. Dama of PIH at the Waigani Head Office. Pictured are some of the session attendees.

#inspiringInclusion at BSP extends to our Staff Wellness Programs, encouraging staff to be active – balancing work and life outside BSP. Pictured are our Netball Team 1 (Premier Division) and Team 2 (Division 2) of the Private Companies Netball Competition, striking the International Women’s Day pose ahead of the grand final on Sunday 10 march, 2024.