OVER 1,500 people participated in a public march on Friday, 8th Novermber in Eastern Highlands province, encouraging communities to take responsibility for eliminating violence against women.
The march, inthe rural Henganofi districtowas coordinated bythe Kafe Urban Settlers Womenrsquo;s Association (KUSWA), a local non-government organization funded by UN Womenrsquo;s Pacific Fund, which advocates against violence.
Beginning at Henganofi Station and finishing at a specially constructed grandstand inthe town,the march invited community members to unite underthetheme; “It’s our role to protect our women and girls inthe community” (Pidgin Version: Wok bilong yumi olgeta long lukautim ol mama na pikinini meri bilong yumi insait long komyuniti).
The march championedthe elimination of violence against women, and encouragedthe community to treat women and girls with respect.
KUSWA was established in 2001 by eight survivors of domestic violence who wanted to take control oftheir own situations and create an organization that would help ther women in similar situations.
KUSWA was awarded a grant from UN Womenrsquo;s Pacific Regional Ending Violence against WomenFacility Fund in 2013, to raise awareness around violence against women.