Santos launches Thursdays in Black Initiative

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.”