Introducing Joan Maima - recently appointed Bel isi PNG Inc. Executive Director
What is your favourite food? A PNG cuisine cooked a certain way.
Baked sweet potato (kaukau) in lots of coconut cream
What’s your favourite movie?
The mask. This is also my 9 year old’s favourite.
What is the one place you would love to visit?
Climb PNG’s highest mountain, Mt Wilhelm.
Favourite past time?
Spending time with children at the beach.
When did you join Bel isi PNG Inc.?
Started on the last week of April of this year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.