Gender based violence (GBV) in PNG will be the focus of a series of television and radio programs being produced by EMTV’s Women’s World program with funding support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
In the last 3 months, Oil Search Foundation has been working with a wide range of stakeholders, including the National Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC), the National Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU), the National Department of Health (NDoH) Gender Desk, UN Women and the Department of Justice and Attorney General to develop the episode themes and messages.
Rather than focus on just the problems associated with GBV, all stakeholders agreed that the filming and resulting 12 episodes will focus on positive responses and solutions as part of a nationwide response to the issue.
Beginning with the complexities of GBV, it will go on to explore a number of interrelated themes including, health sector responses, legal and policy challenges, counselling and care for survivors, language and cultural beliefs and what men and women can do as champions for change.
Filming commenced on September 9 with representatives from NDoH, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Business Coalition for Change, Warrior Culture and City Mission taking part.
NDoH Gender Advisor, Mr Sebastian Robert, said “The National Department of Health plays a key role in ensuring there is an effective health sector response to GBV across PNG. To date there are 17 Family Support Units in 15 provinces that are able to provide free services to survivors of sexual and gender based violence.”
EMTV’s Executive Producer for Women’s World, Ms Michaeline Moir-Bussy remarked “EMTV is thrilled to be part of the national GBV response by contributing to the dialogue surrounding GBV using the nation’s most watched television station.”
Moir-Bussy added that “the full and effective engagement of the national media is a key strategy to help members of the public become aware of the choices that they can make when they, family or friends are faced with violence.”
Filming is expected to be completed in 6-8 weeks with the first episode airing on EMTV and FM 100 radio in October. It is hoped the series will create and drive the awareness and education needed to curb and respond to GBV across the country.
Source: Oil Search Foundation
