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HELP Resources conducts regular workshops with men and women on gender equity, human rights and relationships, so that they can become role models for their communities. Photo: Dave Tacon/OxfamAUS.
Swimming against the tide
Papua New Guinean women are fighting to achieve gender equality, writes Pacific Program Coordinator Georgia Noy.
The discrimination females experience lasts a lifetime...Historically and even today, the arrival a baby girl is a cause for disappointment. They are often unwanted or loved less by many families in Papua New Guinea, especially fathers. Gender Training Manual, HELP Resources.
Violence and sexual assault are all too common in Papua New Guinea (PNG), as the laws to protect women and girls are not yet effective. Women have limited choices in sexual relationships, contraception and in access to sexual heath information, counselling and treatment.
Many men are raised to think that doing what they want is their ‘culture given right’, and is therefore not to be questioned. As a result, statistics show that 70% of women in PNG experience domestic violence1.
Despite laws prohibiting violence and discrimination against women, there has been little practical application or commitment to them. However, there are many people working to bring about change. One such organisation, which we support, is HELP Resources, based in Wewak, East Sepik Province.
HELP Resources delivers community-based gender equity workshops that help men and women understand overall gender discrimination and human rights.
“It is not difficult for Papua New Guineans to understand and appreciate human rights. However, it is harder to get them to step out of internalised cultural norms of male dominance to recognise that they must change,” HELP Resources founder Elizabeth Cox says.
“Our program demonstrates that when men understand the meaning of discrimination and cruel and inhumane treatment, and can apply these concepts to themselves or their people, then they are then more able to take on an objective view of gender discrimination.
“Conversely, if blatant and isolated concepts around gender rights are thrust upon community members, then men, and indirectly women, become uncomfortable and defensive.”
As well as raising awareness, HELP Resources works with male leaders, helping them to be positive role models who exemplify non-violent attitudes and behaviour toward women and girls; to use alternative and more communicative means to resolve conflict; and to mentor peers, family and other community members.
“Our women have never known equality of the kind promised to them in the constitution of the independent state of PNG,” says David Gowep, a participant in one of HELP Resources, workshops.
“During this workshop, I was prompted to reflect on our customs in the Waskuk Hills area. I realised that many of our customs discriminate against women. Men achieve status easily — it’s like a gift from their parents and ancestors. The power is given not earned — women are always subordinate without a second thought.
“It’s time now, for us to talk about the human rights of women — and children too — and about the sharing of power and rights within the family.”
HELP Resources has recently expanded its gender programs to the nearby Maprik community, where it is working with the Nana Kundi Centre — an organisation founded by long-serving women’s leader Lusey Goro. The centre offers some of the most pro-active advocacy, education and counselling services in PNG, aimed at attempting to address gender violence, human rights, sexual health issues and child sexual abuse.
“If women and men can enjoy equal rights, many of the domestic problems we take in our home would end,” says HELP Resources workshop participant Thresia Amasai. “Problems...will be fewer if both parties participate in decision-making.”