By Michelle Steven – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Sexual abuse and violence are constantly rising in this changing society. Only a few victims come out, but most shy away because of cultural norms and other taboos.
The State of the Word Population 2019 report showed clearly the challenges women are facing, and how international communities help overcome these issues.
According to the World Health organization and UN Population Fund, there are four age categories of people; these are children, adolescents, youths and adults.
Female Youth Ambassador for the United Nations Funds For Population Activities (UNFPA) Rosemary Pawih said being a 23-year-old person; she automatically falls under the youth category.
These age categories need constant changing needs during development stages.
Pawih says they depend on investment, time and attention by individual, caregivers, parents, relatives, communities and the society. She said as an ambassador for young women and youth, she felt it was her duty to inform and make awareness on issues faced by many young women, children, adolescence and youths who cannot speak up for themselves.
She called for action and accountability in most societies where issues like this are not talked about.
Pawih says these statistics speak volume of the lack of respect men have towards women.
She believes societies’ in Papua New Guinea are no longer safe for women. She also went on sharing her own personal experience.
She said as a young thriving survivor of rape and abuse, she had decided to speak out and be a voice to the helpless and those who cannot come out.
