World Vision and UN Women join efforts to strengthen GBV prevention in NCD
World Vision Papua New Guinea (WVPNG) has signed a partnership agreement with UN Women to implement two key outcomes under the European Union’s Soim Wokabaut Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Referral Pathways Programme. This partnership reflects the belief that durable change happens when governments, civil society, communities and development partners work together in mutual accountability and shared leadership.
The Soim Wokabaut Programme seeks not only to improve coordination of services for GBV survivors, but to strengthen access to justice, promote implementation of laws and policies, address harmful gender and social norms, and mobilize leadership at every level, national, provincial, and community. The collaboration between World Vision and UN Women is a significant step towards amplifying community-driven GBV prevention and response efforts in the National Capital District (NCD).
UN Women’s Country Representative, Peterson Magoola said, “Gender-based violence in the National Capital District remains a major concern, as highlighted in existing reports. As a key partner of the Government, UN Women is committed to working closely with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), the European Union, World Vision and other development partners to advance community-led action and drive meaningful change for women and girls”.
World Vision will focus on two outcomes which are Strengthening Advocacy and Agency and Transforming Social Norms. Strengthening advocacy and agency will enhance the capacity, voice, and influence of civil society organisations (CSOs), women’s rights organisations, social movements, and community groups to advocate for the elimination of gender-based violence in communities.
Through transforming social norms, the programme aims to deepen the engagement of community leaders, male advocates, and influential social actors in shifting discriminatory norms, gender stereotypes, and harmful practices. By mobilising positive male role models and strengthening community leadership structures, the programme seeks to foster safer, more equitable environments for women and girls.
WVPNG’s Associate Program Director, Smith Sapaka, said: “Gender Based Violence in the country is a concerning issue and a challenging space to work in. We acknowledge UN Women for recognising that this issue cannot be addressed individually but by working closely in partnership with families, partners in the communities and Civil Society Organisations.”
This partnership represents a milestone in collective action against gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea. By strengthening advocacy, empowering communities, and transforming harmful social norms, WVPNG and UN Women aim to create safer, more inclusive environments where women and girls can thrive free from violence.
The programme will be delivered in 10 NCD communities over 2 years valued at around 1 million kina. These communities include Gerehu, Tokarara, Sabama, Kaugere, Hanuabada, 9 Mile, Koki, Gordons, UPNG, and Vabukori. The indirect reach from activities in these communities is expected to extend to up to 50% of the entire NCD population, reflecting the programme’s broad social norms influence and community-wide engagement approach.