By Merilyn Diau-Katam -EMTV News, Port Moresby
The New Year is not starting on a positive note for PNG women, with the reported incidents of rape, murder and domestic violence seemingly frequent throughout the country.
This is not a new issue, but it’s an issue that appears to be making a resurgence.
Port Moresby residents raised concerns that most men are the only breadwinners in the family, and this makes them think of women as inferior in their households.
As a result, when there’s a disagreement, men feel they are entitled to inflict physical abuse on their spouses.
Kikori District Women Council President, Waro Baigei, said this is an ongoing issue that the government needs to recognise.
Meanwhile, many have said that men need to respect women more; in the same way they respect female members in their family.
“It’s no longer safe for us to move around. Especially, when there are reports of women being sexually assaulted. Despite existing laws that protect women, we do not feel safe,” said Jocelyn Maga a shop assistant.
