Partnering for women’s safety in Papua New Guinea
KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation)'s Project Zero has one goal - to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, especially women and girls.
Bringing together a suite of organisations, in an innovative and first of its kind partnership in Oro Province, with Femili PNG, the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee and the Oro Department of Community Development, Project Zero aims to challenge and change anti-social behaviours and norms that do not keep women and children safe in their homes and communities. The project is also supporting Oro's first safe house, helping women access the support they need to start new chapters in safe locations.
One of the critical impacts of emergencies, including health emergencies such as COVID-19, is that women and children become less safe in their homes. In the midst of a global pandemic, access to information, referral pathways and support is more critical than ever; starting mid-2020, Project Zero could not have commenced at a more critical time.
Although COVID-19 brought challenges in the form of lockdowns and travel restrictions, it did not stop the partnership undertaking a suite of vital awareness activities and training across Oro. In the first half of 2021, Femili PNG’s outreach team was able to deliver 26 family and sexual violence awareness-raising sessions to schools, business, communities and health facilities in rural Oro, reaching a total of 3,133 participants. This included an in-depth information program on child protection, delivered to teachers, KTF’s Kokoda College students, KTF team members and safe house representatives. This was coupled with detailed referral pathway training conducted by FSVAC, upskilling first-responders on how to support and find ways forward for victims of GBV who are taking the first brave step to their new tomorrow.
For widespread impact, the information shared at these workshops needs to echo to women and men in the far reaches of Oro province. Feedback from recent workshops has shown: teachers are committed to using the skills built from their training to conduct school-based in-service with other teachers at their schools and conduct awareness-raising with students and parents. This was actioned immediately by Head Teacher of Alola Elementary School, who conducted an awareness-raising session for his community, which was followed by a visit by Femili’s Outreach team.
The more informed a community is, the safer that community becomes for women and children. Project Zero’s aim is to make Oro Province a safer place for all through critical awareness.
Project Zero is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
