Femili PNG will receive additional support under Australia’s new regional commitment to strengthen crisis centres that respond to violence against women and girls.
The initiative, Pacific Strong: Amplifying Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls (PAVE), was announced by the Australian Government on 25 November 2025 — International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Announcing the new initiative, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said that PAVE will play a critical role in addressing this challenge.
“By strengthening frontline services through PAVE, Australia is helping build safer families and more resilient societies across our region,” Minister Wong said.
In Papua New Guinea, funding will be delivered through Australia’s PNG Women Lead Program directly to Femili PNG to further strengthen the crisis response services of Femili PNG’s Goroka Case Management Centre, helping the organisation deliver better support for survivors of child abuse and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Femili PNG CEO Daisy Plana says that this support will help those in need.
“This support enables us to respond more effectively to gender‑based violence and child abuse, ensuring survivors can access counselling, safe accommodation, medical care, and justice,” Ms Pana said.
PAVE is a five-year regional program designed to improve the access, quality, and reach of services for survivors of GBV.
It will provide long-term support for the safety and wellbeing of women and girls in up to nine Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
