Papua New Guinea

Addressing gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea through cooperation with the Royal PNG Constabulary and the Autonomous Bougainville Government

Credit: UNDP/Amelia Kinahoi-Siamomua The Government of Papua New Guinea's Second National Progress Report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2009 identified gender-based violence (GBV), in particular, as a severe threat to the stability and future development of Papua New Guinea, and one that poses a serious challenge to the achievement of all MDGs.

Sustained dialogue between the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator and the Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) led to a Letter of Intent being signed in June 2010 between the two parties, indicating UNDP's support for an improved Police response to GBV. To fill these strategic gaps, UNDP committed to develop a comprehensive training package for the Royal PNG Constabulary to improve the capacity of police to respond more effectively to GBV. The first component of the initiative, beginning in 2010, focuses on building the capacity of the RPNGC to prevent and respond to GBV through a baseline survey that assesses the extent of the capacity and services required of the RPNGC. Findings from the baseline survey will inform the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive training package to improve the capacity of the Police to respond more effectively to GBV.

Credit: UNDP/Amelia Kinahoi-SiamomuaOther efforts to eliminate GBV include UNDP's partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to conduct groundbreaking research to demystify the attitudes and behaviors of boys and men towards GBV. This research focuses on the gendered dimensions of violence and the role of men and boys in preventing GBV in the autonomous region of Bougainville. During the conflict in Bougainville, which lasted more than 10 years, violence against women increased dramatically. Information on the root causes, nature and prevalence of different forms of gender-based violence in Bougainville are lacking, as is a holistic understanding of the attitudes/behaviors of boys and men related to GBV.

The initiative will lead to a baseline/benchmark of the attitudes and behaviors of boys and men towards GBV within a post-conflict context and ongoing peace processes; inform and modify current UN programming on GBV prevention, community security, social cohesion, small arms control, reintegration of ex-combatants and reconciliation to address the different needs of men and boys, and women and girls; provide evidence-based recommendations for more comprehensive policy responses to GBV; and identify opportunities where policy can be improved to advance gender equality and women empowerment in Bougainville.

Credit: UNDP/Amelia Kinahoi-SiamomuaIn parallel to the research, the initiative will also include awareness-raising activities, and activities on community security, social cohesion, peace-building, and conflict prevention, with a focus on the prevention of GBV, with traditional systems of community leadership and women in decision-making positions. The expected outcome is to strengthen the leadership of male leaders in reducing GBV, and increase the participation of women in decision-making positions at regional and district levels.