Stokes keen to address women’s issues in PNG

Australian High Commision keen to address women's
issues in PNG

Gender equality and women empowerment has been a key priority in Australia’s engagement with Papua New Guinea.
For this cause, Australia has provided K5.7 million through the Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen program to support Family Health International 360 (FHI360) to reach over 200,000 people, through its komuniti lukautim ol meri project that advocates against gender-based violence.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Deborah Stokes, announced that the Australian Government would provide a further K5 million over three years for FHI360 to continue its work and help change lives.
Ms Stokes made this announcement at the launch of the book Powerful Voices and film Harim Mi, featuring women speaking out on violence against women and girls in PNG.
"We have recognised that one of the best ways to achieve stronger communities, societies and economies is to empower women and girls," Ms Stokes said.
Australia will spend up to K122.6 million in PNG, through the Pacific Women Program, to enhance women’s voice in decision making and leadership, increase their economic opportunities, reduce family and sexual violence, and increase access to support services for women and girls so that families can be strengthened.
Produced by FHI360, the book and film contains stories of 49 women from 10 communities in Western Highlands and Sandaun provinces. FHI360, in collaboration with other community based organisations, provided cameras and trained women to use digital photography to document their lives and speak out.