Prime Minister, James Marape has called on all Papua New Guineans, especially men, to take personal and national responsibility in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), declaring that the country must undergo a “character reset” beginning in the family if it is to secure a better future for the next generation.
Prime Minister Marape made these remarks in Parliament today while contributing to the debate on the new National Gender-Based Violence Strategy, presented by the Minister for Community Development and Religion, Hon. Jason Peter.
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In his statement, the Prime Minister acknowledged the work of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, chaired by NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, and commended Parliament and development partners for bringing greater attention to the issue.
“Governor Parkop has been a champion in this space.
He continues to remind us of what we must do, and since he assumed the chairmanship of this Committee he has never rested,” Prime Minister Marape said in a statement this evening.
The Prime Minister said the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls strikes at the core of Papua New Guinea’s national values and social stability, stressing that the nation’s development cannot be achieved if families are broken by violence.
“Statistics show that around 64 percent of women and households experience one form or another of domestic violence. This is really at the heart and core of the issue,” he said.
“This country will not progress if the fundamental fabric of our society is weakened. And it starts with us in this House and in our homes.”
Prime Minister Marape said that while laws, policing, and policy reforms are important, the first step must be a transformation of attitudes and behavior among men.
“The real Reset we need is a Character Reset. Not just Government systems or institutions, but starting with our hearts and our families,” he said.
“If fathers of this country get it right in their homes, then this country will go a long way.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that women in Papua New Guinea are protected by constitutional rights and must be treated as equal partners in society.
“The wife is not property. She is an equal partner at home,” he said. “Our Constitution guarantees every woman the right to life, protection from inhuman treatment, and protection under the law.”
Prime Minister Marape also proposed stronger national measures to combat Gender-Based Violence, including:
• Dedicated GBV reporting and response systems at every police station
• Stronger penalties for domestic violence offences
• Eliminating the misuse of compensation payments in domestic violence cases
• National conversations on harmful practices such as abuse of bride price and polygamy
“Every police station across our country must have a separate track that deals specifically with domestic violence,” he said.
“Violence Against Women must not be settled through compensation. The law must take its course.”
The Prime Minister also reminded international partners that Papua New Guinea is committed to addressing the issue while building on its cultural traditions of respect for women.
“Our authentic PNG way has always respected women. Along the way society has gone astray, but we are correcting that,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government has been strengthening national responses to Gender-Based Violence since taking office in 2019, including significant institutional reforms.
Key initiatives include:
• Establishment of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender-Based Violence in 2020, which conducted nationwide consultations and produced 71 recommendations to strengthen laws, services, and enforcement
• Creation of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and GBV in 2022, ensuring long-term parliamentary oversight of the issue
• Increased Government funding and support for civil society organizations addressing GBV, including grant programs for community-based support services
• Strengthening coordination through the National GBV Secretariat and national advisory mechanisms
• Expanded police and justice sector focus on GBV and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence
These measures represent the most structured national approach to Gender-Based Violence since Independence.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader national responsibility to restore respect for women and rebuild strong families.
“As our country works towards a better future, may our daughters be assured that the sons of this country-their brothers and fathers-will change,” he said. “Let us strengthen the foundation of our nation by respecting our mothers and daughters. That is the basis of a secure country going forward.”
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