Men urged to take lead to end violence

The male population have been urged to be at the forefront to end violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea.

UN under-secretary-general and executive director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, made this call today during the launch of a new PMV bus under the MeriSeif program at Gerehu. 

The bus is exclusively for women and children provided as part of UN Women’s ‘Safe Public Transport for Women and Children Program’.

The buses provide a safe public transport for women and a space to discuss issues affecting their safety and mobility.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said the men in our communities need to know that they must take lead to end violence against women.

She said we actually need to hear more men standing up and saying: “I will not beat up a woman, this is my commitment”.

“By joining and working in partnership with women, they also become role models for the male youths and boys,” said Mlambo-Ngcuka.

“When boys experience violence at home, they actually believe that violence is normal and yet we know that a good man doesn’t show his strength by being violent towards a member of his family.

“We want them to take ownership of the issue because as brothers, fathers and leaders and as partners, they’re responsible for making our communities safe,” she said.

Mlambo-Ngcuka is in the country as part of her travels to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Her four-day visit focuses on strengthening collaboration with the PNG Government, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and civil society representatives.

Her visit also aims to accelerate progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country with an emphasis on ending violence against women and girls.

Author: 
Quintina Naime