2024 Bel isi PNG organised EVAW walk

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.