A new campaign calling on men, boys, women and girls to work together for a safer city has been launched recently.
The ‘Sanap Wantaim’ campaign is an initiative by UN Women, supported by the Australian Government, and in partnership with the National Capital District Commission. ‘Sanap Wantaim’ which translates to stand together is a move toward changing the behaviour of PNG citizens, rallying men and boys to work together with women and girls for a safer and secure Port Moresby.
The goals of the initiative that pledgers, partners and citizens seek to ultimately accomplish are:
1. Align men and boys with women and girls as partners and allies.
2. Empower women and girls to stand up for themselves and each other and acknowledge their right to the city.
3. Equip people with the knowledge of how to identify violence and harassment, and what to do when it is experienced or witnessed.
UN Women Papua New Guinea Representative, Dr. Jeffery Buchanan, in his address at the launching said, “Port Moresby is a great city, we have a great leader, we have great people, and together we’re going to create a new normal in our behaviour change campaign, where men and boys, and women and girls work with all of our citizens to make this a really safe city.”
Hip hop artist, Jay Lieasi has been appointed by UN Women as the Youth Champion to raise awareness to inspire unity and collaboration among youth under this drive.
“The chance to make a real difference in my native country of Papua New Guinea is something I take very seriously and feel deeply personal about. The future of this country stands in the hands of our youth and let youth be a part of the solution,” Lieasi said.
The campaign will use every avenue to spread the message of change.
