Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | Sunday, 09 March 2025: Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed a new partnership with the PNG Trade Un- ion Congress (PNGTUC) in a collaborative effort to combat workplace harassment and gender-based violence (GBV). The initiative aims to introduce stronger policies, advocacy programmes, and legal frameworks to protect women and girls in the workforce and beyond.

At a high-level meeting, PNGTUC General Secretary Clemence Kanau highlighted the critical role of trade unions in addressing GBV and workplace harassment, stating that this issue has never been formally tackled in employment contracts before.

“GBV is a serious problem. As unions, we have fought for workers’ rights for many years, but this is one issue that has never been properly addressed in our workplaces,” Kanau said.

“We want to collaborate with the Employers’ Federation and other stakehold- ers to develop a policy that will make workplace harassment a dismissible of- fence. This is something new, and we are committed to making it work.”

Kanau further outlined PNGTUC’s nationwide approach, which includes advo- cacy in schools, workplaces, and rural communities to educate young boys and girls about the importance of respect, safeguarding women, and reject- ing violence.

“We must train boys and girls in classrooms so they understand why violence is wrong and learn to protect their sisters and mothers,” he added.

“This will not only empower women but also create a generation of men who stand against violence.”

Prime Minister Marape commended PNGTUC’s initiative and agreed that legal amendments may be necessary to incorporate anti-harassment and anti-vio- lence clauses into employment contracts.

“This is a powerful and necessary step,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We al- ready have workplace policies that address harassment, but they are often confined to specific organisations. It’s time to expand these protections across all sectors and make them a national standard.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that combating GBV is not just about workplace policies—it starts in the home. He noted that abusive behaviour, whether by men or women, must be addressed at its root cause to create a society where violence is unacceptable in every form.

“Leadership starts in the home. If a person is found to be abusive—whether it’s a man towards a woman or vice versa—there must be consequences. We must change our national mindset,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

Kanau also emphasised the importance of engaging international organisations, diplomatic missions, and development partners in this effort. PNGTUC plans to work closely with the United Nations, employers’ groups, and civil society organisations to ensure this initiative is well-resourced and effectively implemented.

“Unions have been fighting for workers’ rights for years, but often governments do not listen to us,” Kanau said. “However, because of our democratic foundation, unions remain a critical voice in society. This collaboration is our first major step towards institutionalising protections against workplace harassment and GBV.”

PNGTUC’s strategy includes:

• Developing curriculum-based advocacy programmes in schools to educate young people about gender equality and violence prevention.
• Strengthening link with rural communities to ensure that anti-violence mes- sages reach all Papua New Guineans, not just those in urban centres.
• Incorporating GBV protections into labour laws and workplace policies to ensure victims are protected and offenders are held accountable.

As part of PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence commemorations, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that addressing GBV and workplace harassment must be a key part of the country’s long-term development goals.

“This issue is not just about workplace policies—it is about creating a safer, more respectful society,” Prime Minister Marape said. “As we reflect on our nation’s journey over the past 50 years, let us make a commitment to ensuring that our next 50 years are defined by equality, justice, and respect for all.”

The government, in collaboration with PNGTUC, will work towards legislative changes, workplace reforms, and national awareness campaigns to ensure that violence and harassment in any form are no longer tolerated in Papua New Guinea.