Hello and welcome to a special Women’s World Season highlighting Gender Based Violence prevention and response in Papua New Guinea.
In this special edition we look at empowering youth and adolescents.
In our first segment, we speak to Junior Muke, who represents a NGO called Equal Playing Field.
Junior tells us how his organisation uses sports to teach young people about gender equality, respectful relationships and issues around gender based violence.
We also feature an inspiring story of Veronica Simogun who has been awarded the East Asia and Pacific 2017 US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award. Veronica has been recognised for her work in advocating for women and children who have been victims of gender based violence. She also works very closely with youth and adolescentS, especially with behaviour change. Veronica shares her message to all young people in Papua New Guinea.
In addition to Veronica is US Ambassador for PNG, Catherine Ebert-Gray, strongly supports the equality of men and women. Ambassador Ebert-Gray says that, “Veronica is very deserving of the International Women of Courage Award based on her consistent actions and courageous stance on rescuing, defending and caring for women and children who are survivors of violence.” Ambassador Ebert-Gray adds that, “She is a change agent for the human rights of women and children in Papua New Guinea.”
Also in this episode is a spotlight on Education in PNG. Education empowers women and girls, and provides various opportunities for them to excel in various paths in life. Education is also a way out of poverty.
However, not all women and girls have the opportunity to obtain and have access to formal education due to various challenges.
The Port Moresby Business and Professional Women’s Club is one organisation that leads the way in empowering women and girls through education over the years.
More interrelated themes of Gender Based Violence are covered in this season: the health sector response, legal and policy challenges, counselling and care for survivors, language and cultural beliefs and what men and women can do as champions for change. Visit http://www.emtv.com.pg/category/programs/womens-world/ to view them.
