Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has issued a strong call to action for all Papua New Guineans to unite in combating gender-based violence (GBV) and ensuring the protection, respect, and empowerment of women across the nation. Speaking in Parliament today, he commended the efforts of Governor Powes Parkop and the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for their tireless efforts in addressing this crisis.
“This issue is no longer just a concern—it is an epidemic that threatens the very foundation of our society. Women are not just our mothers, wives, daughters, and sisters; they are the backbone of our families and communities. Yet, they continue to suffer violence, discrimination, and injustice at alarming rates. This must stop,” Prime Minister Marape declared.
He challenged every man in Papua New Guinea, from leaders in Parliament to young men in rural villages, to reflect on their treatment of women and take personal responsibility for changing the culture of violence and neglect.
The Importance of Women in Society
Prime Minister Marape reminded Parliament that no man would exist without a woman, emphasising the critical role that women play in shaping families, communities, and the future of the nation.
“Ask yourself—where would you be without your mother? Do you love your mother? If you love your mother, why do we allow the continued abuse of women in our country? Why do we turn a blind eye to the suffering of our wives, daughters, and sisters?” he asked. He highlighted the biblical significance of women, noting that God created women as partners, not subordinates, and that true leadership begins with respect and protection of women.
“In Genesis, God created Adam first, but He saw that Adam was incomplete. Woman was created as a helpmate, an equal partner. If we truly claim to be a Christian nation, then we must live by this principle and treat our women with dignity and honour,” he stated.
A Nation at a Crossroads: PNG’s 50th Anniversary Must Mark a Reset
With Papua New Guinea approaching its 50th Independence anniversary on 16 September 2025, Prime Minister Marape urged a national reset, calling on the government, law enforcement, communities, and individuals to take immediate and concrete steps towards ensuring a safer and more equal society for women.
“For 50 years, we have talked about development, about progress, about a brighter future for our country. But how can we claim success when our women continue to live in fear? Our sons must rise up to change this. The next 50 years of PNG’s future must be built on a foundation of respect for women,” he said.
To achieve this, he proposed a series of bold reforms and initiatives.
Key Policy and Legislative Reforms to Protect Women
As part of the government’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence and women’s empowerment, Prime Minister Marape outlined a comprehensive set of reforms that will be pursued in the lead-up to PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary:
1. Tougher Laws Against Violence Towards Women
The government will review and strengthen penalties for crimes against women, ensuring that perpetrators of GBV face harsher consequences.
“No man should get away with hurting a woman. Our laws must reflect the seriousness of these crimes, and I am calling for stronger legal measures to ensure that those who commit violence against women are held accountable,” he declared.
2. Free Education for All Girls and Women
Recognising that education is the key to women’s empowerment, Prime Minister Marape proposed making education free for all girls, from primary school through to university. “Educated women raise educated families. They become leaders, business owners, and contributors to our economy. A country that educates its daughters secures its future,” he stated.
3. Safe and Equal Workplaces for Women
The Labour Department will be tasked with enforcing equal employment rights and ensuring that women have access to fair wages, promotions, and safe working environments free from harassment.
“No woman should feel unsafe at work. No woman should be paid less than a man for the same job. We will strengthen policies to ensure workplaces are safe and fair for all women,” he affirmed.
4. Greater Access to Finance for Women
The government will introduce easier credit access and financial support for women who want to start or grow their businesses.
“We must empower women economically. A woman with financial independence is a woman who can support her family and contribute to our country’s growth. The government will ensure women have better access to business loans and financial resources,” he said.
5. A Safer Election Process for Women Candidates
Prime Minister Marape has proposed reviewing Sections 101 and 102 of the Constitution, which provide for the appointment of nominated members of Parliament. These provisions allow up to three members to be appointed by Parliament, offering a possible pathway for increasing women’s representation.
The Prime Minister noted that PNG has historically struggled with electing women to Parliament, with no women winning seats in the 2017 election. Past efforts to introduce reserved seats for women were unsuccessful, but the use of nominated positions could help address this imbalance.
“I urge Parliament to consider appointing qualified women under Sections 101 and 102. This would ensure that women’s voices are included in national decision-making and help bridge the gender gap in leadership,” he stated.
6. Reviewing Harmful Cultural Practices
He called for a national conversation on outdated cultural practices that have contributed to gender inequality and violence, including polygamy and forced marriages.
“Some traditions must evolve. If a cultural practice is harming women and children, then it is time for us to question whether it should continue. Polygamy, in many cases, has been linked to domestic violence and family instability. We must review these practices in the interest of national progress,” he asserted.
Strengthening Law Enforcement Against GBV
Prime Minister Marape directed the Minister for Police and the Police Commissioner to establish a dedicated unit within the police force to handle cases of violence against women.
“All too often, women’s cases are ignored, delayed, or dismissed. I am instructing the police to create a special registry and prosecution system for crimes against women so that justice is swift and effective,” he announced.
He also supported calls for GBV cases to be treated as state matters, rather than allowing complainants to withdraw charges under pressure from family or community leaders.
An Apology and a Pledge for Real Action
In a deeply personal and heartfelt moment, Prime Minister Marape apologised to the women of PNG on behalf of all men, acknowledging the pain, suffering, and injustice that women have endured for decades.
“To all the mothers, daughters, and sisters of Papua New Guinea, we are sorry. We are sorry for the violence, for the fear, for the injustice. We are sorry that your cries have not been heard for too long. But apologies alone are not enough—it is time for real action.”
He pledged his government’s full commitment to ensuring that by PNG’s 50th anniversary, real and measurable progress will have been made to protect and empower women.
“We cannot wait another 50 years. The time to act is now. Every man in this country—from Parliament to the village—must take responsibility for making PNG a safer and better place for our women.”
Conclusion: A Call for National Unity in Defending Women’s Rights
Prime Minister Marape called on all men in leadership, law enforcement, communities, and families to lead by example in respecting, protecting, and empowering women.
“True leadership begins at home. If you are a father, respect the mother of your children. If you are a son, protect your mother. If you are a husband, honour your wife. The future of our nation depends on how we treat our women today.”
He concluded by calling on Parliament to act swiftly on these reforms and legislative changes, ensuring that the next generation of Papua New Guinean women can live in a safer and more equal society.