For Karo Maha, leadership is not defined by policy documents, committee meetings or corporate statements. Leadership is measured by action, accountability and the courage to influence change where it matters most.

Speaking at the Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum under the theme Beyond the Ink: Moving GBV and FSV Policies from Commitment to Action, Karo Maha shared practical insights from the resources sector on how organisations can move beyond policy commitments to create safer workplaces and stronger communities. As Country Manager of New Porgera Limited and Chair of the Women in Resources & Energy (WiRE) Committee under PNG CORE, she highlighted the critical role industry can play in influencing positive behaviour, supporting women’s participation and strengthening accountability

Progress Begins with Accountability

The Women in Resources & Energy Committee was established to provide leadership within the resources and energy sector and to ensure companies are not only developing policies but implementing them in meaningful ways. According to Karo Maha, the committee provides a platform for members to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen accountability across the industry.

She noted that creating safer and more inclusive workplaces requires sustained commitment and practical action rather than policy compliance alone. Industry leadership, she said, must be reflected in measurable actions, stronger partnerships and a willingness to address difficult social issues affecting workers and communities.

The committee's commitment to action was further reflected in PNG CORE's launch of its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy Statement in July, providing a framework to support industry-wide efforts toward safer, more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Her message reflected a reality familiar to many employers operating in the resources sector. Across Papua New Guinea, mining, petroleum and energy operations are often located in remote environments where social challenges outside the workplace directly affect employees, families and communities.

At Porgera, where she heads the country operations, the environment presents unique challenges. Tribal conflict, sorcery accusation-related violence, law and order concerns and deeply entrenched social norms can significantly affect the safety and wellbeing of women, girls and young people. Yet, she believes these realities also present opportunities for meaningful change.

Rather than attempting to solve these challenges alone, she advocated for practical partnerships between companies and organisations with expertise in community development, advocacy, prevention and behaviour change. Such partnerships enable businesses to contribute more effectively to efforts to prevent violence and promote safer communities.

Through initiatives such as workforce education and values-based training, resource companies can influence attitudes and behaviours not only within their workplaces but also in the communities where employees live. Karo Maha explained that because many workers come directly from local communities, positive values learned at work can extend into homes and communities and help influence future generations.

Equal Representation

Throughout her career, Karo Maha has been a strong advocate for increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making spaces. During the forum discussion, she highlighted the importance of ensuring women are represented on landowner company boards, community bodies and local governance structures.

She emphasised that women must have meaningful opportunities to contribute to decisions that affect their communities and futures. Greater representation strengthens governance, improves decision-making and ensures diverse perspectives are included in development planning.

Translate Vision to Action

Recognising that women’s voices are often underrepresented in traditional leadership structures, Karo Maha highlighted the importance of creating dedicated mechanisms that support women’s participation and leadership. Dedicated structures such as women’s community development committees can help ensure women’s perspectives are considered in community decision-making processes.

She also stressed the importance of ensuring women and young people participate in discussions that shape long-term development priorities and community outcomes.

Meaningful Participation Is Not About Symbolic Representation

Meaningful participation goes beyond simply providing women with a seat at the table. It requires creating genuine opportunities for women to influence decisions, identify emerging challenges and contribute solutions based on their experiences and understanding of community needs.

In communities experiencing development pressures, social change and resettlement impacts, these perspectives can be critical in ensuring programs and services effectively respond to the realities faced by women and families.

Culture Should Never Be Used as an Excuse for Violence

One of the strongest messages delivered by Karo Maha centred on the role of culture in addressing violence. Rather than accepting violence as inevitable, she encouraged organisations and communities to reclaim the positive values that have historically underpinned Papua New Guinean societies.

She spoke about honesty, respect, care for others and collective responsibility as enduring values that can help create safer environments for women and girls. These values, she argued, should form part of the solution to violence rather than allowing harmful behaviours to be justified in the name of culture.

Her reflections reinforced an important message: culture should never be used as an excuse for violence. Positive cultural values can be powerful tools for promoting respect, strengthening communities and supporting lasting change.

By creating pathways for women to lead, empowering communities to reject harmful behaviours and holding institutions accountable for action, the resources sector can play a transformative role in addressing gender-based violence and family and sexual violence.

As Papua New Guinea continues its journey beyond policy commitments, leaders such as Karo Maha are demonstrating that lasting change requires more than compliance. It requires leadership that is visible, accountable and willing to influence both workplaces and communities.

For the resources and energy sector, moving beyond the ink means ensuring that every initiative, partnership and leadership decision contributes to building safer workplaces, stronger communities and greater opportunities for women.

When discussions on gender-based violence (GBV) and family and sexual violence (FSV) turn to laws and policies, it is easy to assume that the existence of legal frameworks alone guarantees protection. Yet for Leslie Benjamin Mamu, Public Solicitor of Papua New Guinea, the real test of any policy lies not in what is written, but in whether survivors can access justice when they need it most.

Speaking at the Bel isi PNG 7th Annual Leadership Forum under the theme “Beyond the Ink: Moving GBV and FSV Policies from Commitment to Action," Mr. Mamu offered a perspective grounded in the realities faced every day by women and children seeking protection from violence. As head of the Public Solicitor's Office, he occupies a critical position within Papua New Guinea's justice system, ensuring that legal representation and support are available to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

Access to Justice

While the Public Solicitor's constitutional mandate is widely associated with criminal defence, Mr. Mamu highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of the office's work: a dedicated family section that assists survivors of GBV and FSV through civil law interventions, including Interim Protection Orders (IPOs) and restraining orders. These legal tools can provide immediate safety and protection for survivors facing ongoing threats or violence.

However, Mr. Mamu was candid about the challenges. Accessing justice is not always straightforward, particularly for people living outside major urban centers. Delays in securing protection orders, limited legal services in rural areas, and inconsistent enforcement can all undermine survivor safety. He stressed that action must focus on closing these gaps and ensuring that legal protections are not merely theoretical rights but practical safeguards available to every Papua New Guinean.

Strengthening Referral Pathways

A significant part of that effort has involved strengthening referral pathways and expanding legal knowledge beyond the courtroom. Recognizing that many survivors first seek help through village courts, community leaders, safe houses, police officers, or frontline service providers, the Public Solicitor's Office has invested in training referral partners to understand the law and navigate legal processes effectively. These trainings include guidance on completing protection-order applications and using simplified legal forms such as Form 124 in the Human Rights Track of the National Court, designed to make the justice system more accessible.

Proactive Approach to Escalating Serious Cases

Importantly, Mr. Mamu has also sought to address weaknesses in the enforcement of protection orders. Drawing on the experience of his office, he noted that perpetrators sometimes disregard district court orders. In response, the Public Solicitor issued an internal practice direction to his lawyers in 2024 which essentially adopts a more proactive approach by escalating serious cases to the National Court through the Human Rights Track to secure stronger, permanent restraining orders where necessary. This approach reflects a commitment not only to obtaining legal orders but also to ensuring they carry practical weight and real-world consequences.

His contribution to the forum reinforced a broader message: combating GBV and FSV requires institutions to move beyond compliance and into implementation. Legal frameworks are essential, but they must be supported by trained personnel, effective enforcement, informed communities, and coordinated services that survivors can access regardless of where they live.

Mr. Mamu's leadership demonstrates that justice is not delivered solely through courtrooms. It is built through partnerships, capacity building, and deliberate efforts to remove barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help. By taking legal services beyond urban centers and equipping referral partners with practical tools and knowledge, he is helping transform legal protections from words on a page into pathways toward safety and dignity.

As Papua New Guinea continues its journey to address GBV and FSV, Mr. Mamu's work serves as a reminder that policies matter only when people can feel their impact. For survivors seeking protection, the true measure of progress is not the existence of laws, but the confidence that those laws will work when they need them most.

When organizations speak about gender-based violence (GBV) and family and sexual violence (FSV), the conversation often begins with policies. Yet for BSP Financial Group Limited, policy is only the starting point.

Speaking at the Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum under the theme “Beyond the Ink: Moving GBV and FSV Policies from Commitment to Action," Vandhna Narayan, BSP's Group Chief Compliance Officer and Chair of GBV Committee, shared how the organization has worked over the past decade to transform commitment into measurable action by embedding GBV prevention and response into governance structures, workplace culture and employee support systems.

At BSP, GBV is no longer viewed solely as a social issue. It is recognized as a business, governance and workforce issue that requires leadership, accountability and sustained investment. As part of this commitment, BSP has incorporated GBV as a formal pillar of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, ensuring oversight through governance structures that report through to the Board Risk Committee. This means GBV-related commitments are monitored at the highest levels of the organization and are subject to the same scrutiny as other strategic priorities.

As Ms. Narayan explained during the forum, BSP's leadership believes that having policies alone is not enough.

"The fact that we have policies is not enough. The Board wants to see evidence of how policies are being implemented and what actual impact is being made."

Emphasis on Accountability

This emphasis on accountability has shaped BSP's journey over time. BSP's engagement in addressing GBV and FSV began years before many organizations openly recognized the impact of violence on workplaces. In 2016, BSP partnered with the PNG Business Coalition for Women, supported by the International Finance Corporation, to explore the establishment of survivor support services. This work was followed by a range of initiatives that positioned BSP as one of the founding partners of Bel isi PNG, helping to build a private sector-led response to GBV and FSV in Papua New Guinea.

Over time, BSP's commitment evolved into a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, protection, support, advocacy, partnerships and accountability. Today, the organisation provides confidential and practical support pathways for employees affected by violence, including access to legal assistance, protection-order support, employee wellbeing services and counselling through a 24-hour employee assistance program. Since 2019, more than 400 employees have been supported through BSP's internal systems.

Investment In Prevention and Awareness.

The organization has also invested heavily in prevention and awareness. Initiatives such as Black Thursdays have become a visible symbol of solidarity with survivors, encouraging staff across BSP's operations throughout the Pacific to stand against violence and promote respectful workplace cultures. Campaigns such as "I am a Feminist" and ongoing awareness programs have sought to foster conversations around gender equality, respect and accountability.

Response beyond Workforce

BSP's response also extends beyond its workforce. Recognizing financial abuse as a significant but often overlooked form of GBV, the organization has partnered with the International Finance Corporation and the Bank of Papua New Guinea to strengthen efforts aimed at addressing financial abuse, improving financial literacy and enhancing customer protections. BSP's recent commitment as a signatory to the Financial Abuse Code reflects its growing focus on supporting customers and communities as well as employees.

While acknowledging the progress that has been made, BSP also recognizes that workplaces alone cannot eliminate GBV and FSV. Employees and customers are part of wider communities where violence continues to affect families and relationships. Sustainable change therefore requires partnerships across government, civil society, service providers, communities and the private sector.

As a founding partner of Bel isi PNG, BSP has demonstrated how private sector organizations can move beyond policy commitments and invest in practical, survivor-centered responses. From supporting the establishment of services through Bel isi PNG to embedding GBV prevention and response within its own operations, BSP's journey reflects the type of leadership and long-term commitment needed to create safer workplaces and communities.

Bel isi PNG is proud of the strides BSP has taken in building a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, wellbeing, accountability and support. BSP's experience demonstrates that when leadership is backed by governance, partnerships, resources and measurable action, meaningful change is possible. It also provides valuable lessons for other organizations across Papua New Guinea seeking to translate commitments into practical outcomes for employees and communities.

Bel isi PNG remains grateful for BSP's continued partnership, leadership and support in advancing safer workplaces and communities, and looks forward to continuing this shared journey towards a future free from violence.

As the forum's theme challenged participants to move beyond commitments on paper, BSP's experience offers a practical example of what that journey can look like. It means building systems rather than statements, measuring outcomes rather than celebrating intentions, and ensuring that commitments are translated into meaningful action that improves lives.

For many years, Papua New Guinea has had policies, commitments, and national conversations aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and family and sexual violence (FSV). Yet despite these efforts, survivors continue to face significant barriers in accessing support, protection, and justice.

For Diane Kambanei, Executive Director of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat, this reality underscores a simple but critical truth: policy alone is not enough. Real progress happens when commitments are translated into services, systems, and resources that reach people where they are.

Speaking at the Bel isi PNG 7th Annual Leadership Forum, Ms. Kambanei described implementation as the next frontier in Papua New Guinea's response to GBV. Reflecting on the recently launched National GBV Strategy 2026 - 2035, she challenged stakeholders to move beyond viewing the strategy as a document and instead see it as a roadmap for coordinated action across government, communities, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.

Survivor-Centered Approach

For Ms. Kambanei, success is not measured by the number of policies produced but by whether survivors at the district and provincial levels can access the support they need. That includes safe houses, family support centers, legal assistance, health services, referral pathways, and trained frontline responders. It means ensuring that survivors do not have to travel hundreds of kilometers or navigate fragmented systems to seek help.

The National GBV Strategy is ambitious, calling for significant investment and multi-sector cooperation over the coming decade. However, Ms. Kambanei stressed that implementation must be grounded in provincial realities. Across the country, provincial capacities remain uneven. While some provinces have dedicated teams and established structures, others rely on a single officer responsible for multiple social welfare portfolios. Creating adequately staffed provincial GBV secretariats, strengthening local planning, and securing long-term funding are therefore central to turning national commitments into measurable outcomes.

Partnership and Shared Ownership

Drawing on consultations conducted across Papua New Guinea, Ms. Kambanei noted that many communities trust local institutions such as churches, health workers, and provincial leadership structures. The Secretariat has responded by working directly with provincial governments to align local work plans with national priorities, ensuring that implementation is supported not only by policy direction but also by practical planning and budget allocations.

Addressing GBV Cannot Be the Responsibility of One Agency Alone

Government departments, provincial administrations, churches, businesses, civil society organizations, frontline service providers, and community leaders all have a role to play. Lasting change depends upon coordinated action that connects prevention, protection, justice, and support services into a unified response.

Ms. Kambanei also highlighted the urgent need to address service gaps that continue to leave survivors vulnerable. Despite progress made over recent years, many provinces still lack safe houses and critical support infrastructure. Access to justice remains challenging, conviction rates remain low, and survivors often struggle to navigate complex systems. These realities, she argued, demonstrate why implementation matters as much as policy development.

Equally Important Is Prevention.

While responding to violence remains essential, Ms. Kambanei called for greater investment in behavioral change, youth engagement, and community-based prevention efforts. She warned that without addressing the underlying attitudes and social norms that drive violence, the country risks seeing continued increases in reported cases. Prevention, she said, must become a central pillar of the national response, alongside survivor services and justice reform.

Throughout the discussion, Ms. Kambanei demonstrated a leadership approach grounded in collaboration, accountability, and long-term change. Rather than viewing the National GBV Strategy as an end in itself, she sees it as a mechanism for mobilizing action and building stronger systems throughout Papua New Guinea.

Her contribution to the forum reinforced a powerful message: moving beyond the ink means ensuring that every policy commitment is backed by funding, people, partnerships, and practical services. It means creating a future where survivors can access support regardless of where they live and where institutions work together to prevent violence before it occurs.

As Papua New Guinea advances its national response to GBV and FSV, Diane Kambanei's work serves as a reminder that meaningful change is not measured by the policies we write, but by the lives we improve through their implementation.

Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum Calls for Action Beyond Policy to Address Gender-Based and Family and Sexual Violence

Seventh annual forum brings together government, business and civil society leaders to advance practical implementation of GBV and FSV policies across Papua New Guinea.

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea | 24 September 2026 — Bel isi PNG brought together leaders from government, business, civil society, development partners and key institutions for its 7th Annual Leadership Forum on 21 September 2026.

Held under the theme, “Beyond the Ink: Moving GBV and FSV Policies from Commitment to Action,” the forum called on organisations across Papua New Guinea to move beyond policy commitments and translate them into practical, meaningful action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) and family and sexual violence (FSV).

The annual forum provided a platform for Bel isi PNG’s partners, subscribers, government representatives, business leaders and other stakeholders to share practical solutions and strengthen collective efforts to address GBV and FSV.

The forum was held on the United Nations International Day of Peace, reflecting the meaning of Bel isi in Tok Pisin: peace, or the calmness of heart and mind that comes when people and communities feel safe, supported and respected. This principle is central to Bel isi PNG’s work and aligns with the global call to invest in peace, dignity and non-violence for everyone, everywhere and every day.

Bel isi PNG’s bilum logo also reflects this purpose. Just as a bilum carries and protects what is valuable, strong organisations and communities are built over time through trust, partnership, good governance, service and care for people. These foundations are critical to preventing violence and creating safer homes, workplaces and communities.

Opening the forum, Doreen Iga, Chair of Bel isi PNG and Executive Director of the Building Community Engagement Program (BCEP), highlighted the responsibility of leaders to create safer homes, workplaces and communities.

“Good intentions alone are not enough. We must translate our statements of support into practical action by moving beyond mere words. This means investing in people, strengthening systems, creating trusted pathways for support and ensuring accountability for the commitments we make.”

Dr Veera Mendonca, Country Representative and Interim Resident Coordinator for UNICEF PNG, delivered opening remarks and underscored the connection between peace, safety and effective institutions in preventing violence and supporting survivors.

Dr Mendonca emphasised that preventing violence is essential to building peace and advancing national development.

“Peace does not begin at the negotiating table. It begins in a safe home, a safe workplace, and it is sustained by institutions that deliver.”

She also highlighted the positive impact of coordinated workplace responses for survivors and organisations, noting that action-oriented approaches can reduce lost workdays and improve access to support services.

The panel discussion brought together leaders from government, the private sector and key institutions, including Dianne Kambanei, Executive Director of the National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat; Vandhna Narayan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Bank South Pacific; Karo Maha, Country Manager of New Porgera Limited; and Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu.

Panellists shared practical examples of how their organisations are strengthening accountability, workplace responses, frontline services and survivor-centred support systems. A key theme throughout the discussion was the need to ensure that policies are understood, appropriately resourced and consistently applied.

In closing, National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, called for stronger collective action across all sectors.

“Peace and safety will not be achieved by words alone. They must be built through leadership, investment, partnership and consistent action.”

Governor Parkop emphasised that government, business, civil society, faith-based organisations and communities all have a role in creating safer homes, workplaces and communities. He called for stronger collaboration, survivor-centred services and sustained investment to ensure policies translate into tangible outcomes for Papua New Guineans affected by violence.

The forum also provided an opportunity for Bel isi PNG to present Governor Parkop with a proposal for consideration to recognise 21 September as Bel isi Day, further reinforcing the forum’s focus on peace, safety and community wellbeing.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve workplace and community responses, and accelerate practical action to prevent and respond to GBV and FSV across Papua New Guinea.

Bel isi PNG encourages organisations throughout Papua New Guinea to strengthen workplace responses to GBV and FSV, invest in survivor-centred support systems, and collaborate to create safer homes, workplaces and communities.

ENDS

Bel Isi PNG condemns the brutal attacks on women and girls

Bel Isi PNG is appalled by the recent number of tragic and brutal sexual assaults and murders of women in Port Moresby as well as the ongoing level of family violence perpetrated against women in Papua New Guinea.

We strongly condemn these acts of crime and call upon Government to lead all sectors of society including private sector, community leaders, law enforcement and individuals to take immediate, decisive action to address the increasingly escalating issue of violence against women and girls.

We urge the implementation of stronger legal protections, prosecution of perpetrators, more accessible support systems for survivors, and the creation of awareness programs that challenge harmful gender norms and attitudes.

This appalling epidemic is inflicting devastating harm on women, families, and communities nationwide and has significant impacts to our ability to develop and enjoy a just and safe Papua New Guinea for all.

The escalating prevalence of family and sexual violence, gender-based violence and sorcery accusation-related violence is at crisis point and we cannot turn away.

Bel Isi PNG has worked extensively with our private sector subscribers and partners as well as Government partners to address family and sexual violence using the workforce as an entry point but we need many more to join in taking up this challenge.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have tragically lost their daughters, sisters, and mothers to these senseless crimes.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Bel isi PNG on 79169063 or contact us through the Bel isi PNG website: Bel isi PNG

Bel Isi PNG Inc.

UNITED IN COURAGE; L-R: Tovi Amona - Santos Foundation, Programme Manager for Gender, Wayne Kasou – SVP, PNG Stakeholder Management, Sigurdur Jonsson - VP PNG Operations, Leon Buskens – Country Chair PNG, Jodie Hatherly – CEO Santos Foundation and Lance Davis – Security Manager PNG.

Santos and Santos Foundation have formally launched Thursdays in Black, United in Courage campaign which calls for greater advocacy, leadership and solidarity against all forms of gender-based violence. At the event launch held in the Port Moresby office on Thursday 3 October 2024, staff wore black and took up the United in Courage call to action to speak up about violence, to help prevent it in all its forms and to be accountable for their actions in their homes and communities.

As a reminder of the devastating impacts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) including sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) and the urgent need to unite in courage against violence, Tovi Amona, Santos Foundation Programme Manager for Gender shared the story of Kepari Leniata, a 20-year-old woman accused of sorcery before being publicly humiliated, tortured and burnt alive in 2013. “We are here today to become part of the solution in addressing violence especially GBV and to stand up for all those who are affected by violence and to call out unacceptable behaviour.”

Leon Buskens, Country Chair PNG said: “For most of our existence as a company, Santos has become a leader in the industry playing an active role in contributing towards addressing violence, especially violence against women. Through our Medical service which offers referrals for confidential and professional counselling and support, the Bel isi PNG initiative that provides case management and safe house options to providing paid leave for staff who are affected by violence.”

Our employees and contractors are also champions of change in their communities and strive to do better every day.

This is in line with our values to be accountable and to build a better future.” Jodie Hatherly, CEO for Santos Foundation thanked all staff for supporting the important campaign and urged them to use it to drive the conversation on GBV.

Lance Davis, Security Manager PNG was invited to give a keynote address on the role of men in changing the narrative on gender-based violence in PNG based upon moral obligation and Christian principles. “If we all understood our roles, the purpose of a man is to protect and provide for his family and to be a safe refuge and source of comfort.” The powerful testimony by Lance was then followed by the Thursdays in Black, United in Courage Call To Action led by Sigurdur Jonsson, VP PNG Operations to hold everyone accountable for their words and actions. “Also remember you are not alone, and that help is available through our own Medical service. Speak up and speak to someone if you are experiencing violence.”

TotalEnergies Bel isi PNG Workplace Contact Team with Certificate Presentation, Sept 27 2024.

In September 2024, a dedicated group of volunteers, including Tetiyanah Copland, Pokiap Kusuna, Samantha Kuman, Lillian Gurina, and Helen Paulisbo, participated in a two-day Workplace Contact Team Training.

Each volunteer had a personal motivation to contribute to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Family and Sexual Violence (FSV).

The training, held on September 10-11, provided valuable insights into the different types of abuse, signs and symptoms to identify survivors, and the role of a Focal Point. The training had a female to male ratio of 5:1, highlighting the strong female representation in this initiative.

Bung Wantaim, or townhall meetings, serve as an essential platform for staff and management to gather, either in person or virtually.

These forums are crucial for promoting Bel isi PNG and the services available to staff and contractors. Given the endemic nature of FSV in PNG society and its significant impact on work performance, Bung Wantaim is an opportune moment to raise awareness and encourage collective action against FSV.

Sustainability Tok underscores the company’s commitment to the well-being of its employees. By discussing Bel isi PNG, the company demonstrates its duty of care. One Total (TEP/TEM) has maintained an annual subscription to Bel isi PNG since 2022, reflecting its ongoing support. The key takeaway from Sustainability Tok is the importance of continuous engagement and awareness to foster a safe and supportive work environment.

Group picture of the 2024 Family and Sexual Violence Forum hosted by The PNG Business Coalition for Women with the support of its member companies, CSO’s and Stakeholders.

Each year, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) hosts its Annual Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Forum, which coincides with the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism. This year, on November 21, 2024, the forum focused on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), aligning with the global campaign aimed at raising awareness and advocating against all forms of violence.

The primary goal of this year’s forum was to raise awareness of SARV by educating participants on its causes and the wide-reaching impacts it has on individuals, communities, workplaces, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a whole. The event also aimed to provide BCFW Family and Sexual Violence Workplace Contact Teams and private sector organizations with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively address these critical issues.

The FSV Forum serves as an important platform for BCFW’s member companies to engage in discussions about Family and Sexual Violence. Held on November 21, 2024, the forum carried the theme ‘Highlighting the Rise of SARV’. The forum’s objective was to inform participants about the impact of SARV, its underlying causes, and its effects on both individuals and society.

By the conclusion of the forum, attendees gained a clear understanding of SARV, the legal framework and penalties in place to address it, as well as the available services, initiatives, and approaches implemented by both organizations and the government. The event also provided insights into the social norms surrounding SARV and highlighted areas where specific interventions are needed from companies, support services, advocates, the media, and the government.

Bel isi PNG subscribers who participated in the forum included Exxon Mobil, DT Global, Steamships, Australia Awards, Santos, BSP Financial Group Limited, Australia High Commission and Total Energies.

Reached the end of the walk. Bel isi PNG Board Chair Jean Martin, Governor for NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop, Deputy Head of Mission Australian High Commission to PNG, Dr Joanne Loundes and Head of Delegation for the EU, H.E Jacques Fradin.

Private sector, public, government partners and communities across Port Moresby united on November 22 in a powerful call to end violence against women and girls at the 2024 Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) Walk held in Port Moresby.

For a fifth year Bel isi PNG hosted the EVAW walk, partnering with subscribing private, public and government partners to give prominence to this year’s theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence”, calling for unity and solidarity against gender-based violence, emphasising the collective responsibility to create a safer society.

Bel isi PNG is a partnership between the private and public sectors and civil society organisations, dedicated to ending violence against women in Papua New Guinea and every year Bel isi PNG hosts this event to raise awareness, empower individuals to report violence, and support survivors in their healing journey.

Supported by Australia through the PNG-Australia Partnership and managed by the Santos Foundation, Bel isi PNG hosts two major events annually, a leadership forum in May and the EVAW walk commemorating EVAW day during the PNG 20 days of human rights activism in November.

This year’s walk included participation from NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Australian High Commission Deputy Head of Mission Dr Joanne Loundes, Department for Community Development, Bel isi PNG Board Director Doreen Iga and Bel isi PNG Chair Jean Martin.

Various community leaders, government representatives, and NGOs joined the walk, advocating for stronger policies and resources to address violence against women

Dr Loundes highlighted Australia was committed to supporting a safer and more inclusive PNG society, including through the work of Bel isi PNG. “This annual walk serves as a powerful reminder that every voice matters in the fight against violence, and together with community leaders, government partners, and the private sector we can strengthen our efforts to protect and uplift women and girls in all their diversity across Papua New Guinea,” said Dr Loundes.

Ms Martin thanked participants and corporate supporters, stating, “In 2023, your support enabled Bel isi PNG assist 400 survivors, ensuring support from arranging Interim Protection Orders, to providing safe house accommodation as well as improving coordination of services for survivors through other safe houses and government partners. Thank you for being an integral part of this vital work’.

As eager participants marched from Konedobu Oval to Downtown, Port Moresby waving call to action flags stating the national 20 days of human rights activism theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence, local musician performances further amplified the message of unity, respect, and resilience.

With growing support each year, organisers are determined to continue driving change, calling for more action and support for those in need.

Ms Mirriam Dogimab, Co-Facilitator of the consultative workshop for Bel isi PNG Stakeholders giving an overview of the workshop.

Bel isi PNG Inc. has commenced negotiations for Phase two funding with the Australian government through the PNG Women Lead (PNGWL) program. In September, a consultative workshop was conducted, with over 30 Stakeholder participants. The workshop objectives were to:

1.   Explore and confirm with referral pathway and other stakeholders the full set of recommendations from the Bel isi PNG Phase 1 Evaluation and how these have been addressed in the Phase 2 design of Bel isi PNG Inc

2.      Discuss and explore the core components of the full design for Phase 2 of Bel isi PNG Inc

3.      Gain a shared understanding of and identify emerging opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between the PNG Government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders across the next five-year strategy for Bel isi PNG Inc.

The workshop was opened by Mr. Jerry Ubase, Secretary of the Dept. for Community Development & Religion and was attended by representatives of the National GBV Secretariat and NCDC Family, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Unit. Evonne Kennedy, Bel isi PNG Inc Board member and Executive Director of the Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), also welcomed participants on behalf of the Bel isi PNG Board.

Two important aspects that phase two will address include:

• Communication with subscribers

Improving communication with subscribers by all partners was endorsed as a critical priority for this next phase.

All new subscribers receive a formal letter from Bel isi PNG Inc which includes advice on wat they can expect from their subscription.

Participants endorsed the recommendation to hold regular face to face meetings with subscribers twice a year (bi-ennially) and for the Bel isi PNG Secretariat, BCFW, and the Bel isi PNG CMC and Safe House to present a summary of key data at these events. The need for subscribers to receive good and deidentified and disaggregated data and information was confirmed as very important to the next phase.

• Working with men

The challenges of focusing on the needs of men as survivors and as perpetrators was raised in many sessions during the day. This was seen as one of the big challenges and opportunities for private sector leaders to make an impact. Subscribers are very keen to be involved in these discussions and to be supported to consider how to work with men in the workplace and through developing new approaches.

Phase two negotiations are underway, with the proposal currently under review by the Bel isi PNG Board. Once approved by the Board, the proposal will be submitted to PNGWL for funding for a further 5 year funding from the Australian Government.

This newsletter will provide updates in the new year on the progress of the proposal.

Ms Jean Martin, Head of Santos Foundation and Chair, Bel isi PNG with the Platts Global Energy Awards, Corporate Impact Award-Targeted Program (Bel isi PNG)

On Thursday 12th December, Santos Foundation was announced as the winner of the Corporate Impact Award- Targeted Program at the Platts Global Energy Awards in New York.

The award was in recognition of the Foundation’s contributions to Bel isi PNG initiative, a private, public and civil society organisation partnership, aimed at addressing family and sexual violence (FSV) at the workplace.

Bel isi PNG has assisted over 2,000 women, men and children in Port Moresby since inception in 2018. Whenthe initiative was first established, there were nine subscribing companies. Today, this number has increased to 19, with a new company signing the agreement in November. This will bring the number of subscribing companies to 20 in 2025.

The Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program recognizes organizations that have amplified their responsibility as a global citizen with a concentration on a singular community program. This award is open to all companies in the energy space, including producers, traders, retailers, and exchanges.*

*Corporate Impact Award - Targeted Program

Companies and individuals from 33 countries were selected as finalists for the Platts Global Energy Awards program, now in its 26th year as the industry's premier recognition event. The 2024 finalists, nearly 56% of which hail from outside of the United States, were just announced by program host S&P Global Commodity Insights, the leading global independent provider of data, insights, analysis and benchmark prices for the commodities, metals, petrochemicals, energy and energy transition markets.

Often described by attendees as the "Oscars" of energy, the Platts Global Energy Awards recognize corporate and individual innovation, leadership, and exemplary performance in 19 categories spanning the entire energy and chemicals complex.

Story Link here:  https://press.spglobal.com/2024-09-05-Finalists-Announced-for-the-26th-Annual-Platts-Global-Energy-Awards

Bel isi PNG is proudly supported by the following key partners: The Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, Santos, BSP, Steamships, Santos Foundation, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), G4S and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC)

Bel isi PNG Chair, Jean Martin, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop and Bel isi PNG Deputy Chair Doreen Iga after the EVAW walk.

Bel isi PNG would like to welcome back its subscribers to the December 2024 edition of the Bel isi PNG newsletter.

We apologise for not being able to produce the 3rd quarter newsletter due to a couple of changes within Bel isi PNG. This edition hopes to inform subscribing companies on the plans for Bel isi PNG and progress of the transition.

This year, Bel isi PNG recruited Ms Joan Maima as the new Executive Director in April. However, upon completion of the probationary period in September, Ms Maima departed from Bel isi PNG Inc. We would like to wish Joan all the very best in her future endeavours. In the meantime, Santos Foundation will place Tovi Amona on secondment to the role of Acting Executive Director during this transition period in 2025. New recruitment notice will be broadcasted in 2025 for several key positions in Bel isi PNG Inc., including an Executive Director.

This edition would like to congratulate Jean Martin, Head of Santos Foundation as the new Board Chair for Bel isi PNG Inc. Jean brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Bel isi PNG in gender and health spaces. We would also like to acknowledge Doreen Iga’s appointment as Deputy Chair and Stephen Howse as the Treasurer.

Special shout out to Samantha Kuman and Hosea James from TotalEnergies who MC’d at the EVAW walk. Bel isi PNG is greatly appreciative of your time, efforts, energy and the professionalism you brought to the event.

We close the year off with some exciting news. Santos Foundation was announced as the winner of the Platts Global Energy Awards under the Corporate Impact Category - Targeted Program for its contributions to Bel isi PNG. Congratulations to Santos Foundation, Bel isi PNG, its Board and partners, the Australian Government, BSP, Santos, Steamships, BCFW, Femili PNG, G4S and NCDC on an impactful program.

Staff from Steamships, posing with their certificates. They completed the two the 2 day Workplace Contact Team Training.

In June, the Business Coalition for Women, in partnership with Bel Isi PNG Inc, successfully conducted two Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) Workplace Contact Team Trainings for Steamships and Easy Skill as part of their Bel isi PNG subscriptions.

During the 2-day training, participants gained in-depth knowledge about Family and Sexual Violence, its profound impact on the workplace, and how the training integrates into their companies' strategies for addressing FSV. The sessions also covered referral pathways within the community, detailed the benefits of the Bel isi subscription, and provided comprehensive information on where individuals facing violence and abuse can seek help.

Additionally, participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical exercises, including reviewing and understanding their respective company FSV policies. These activities were designed to enhance their understanding and ability to support colleagues affected by FSV. The training aimed to equip employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to create a safer and more supportive workplace environment.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Steamships, Easy Skill, and other member companies to foster safer workplaces and provide ongoing support in addressing FSV.

Pictured above are members of the Santos Foundation team with Santos Ltd Managing Director and CEO, Kevin Gallagher, Santos Foundation CEO, Jodie Hatherly and Santos PNG Country Chair, Leon Buskens.

A program committed to changing attitudes towards and supporting family and sexual violence survivors in Papua New Guinea has topped an exceptional list of nominees for the inaugural Santos Foundation Project or Program of the Year.

The Bel isi PNG program received the recognition at Santos 20th Directors’ Environmental Health Security Safety (EHSS) Awards on 9th April 2024.

Other finalists nominated for the inaugural award included two impactful programs - Pimaga Rural Hospital Solar Mini-Grid and Pimaga Vocational Educational Training (VET) Centre.

The awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence in innovation, efficiency, teamwork, and leadership across the organization.

The Bel isi PNG program is a public-private partnership that aims to encourage the corporate sector, in collaboration with the government and civic society, to take a transformative role in changing attitudes towards family and sexual violence while also providing access to immediate care and support for survivors.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation and its partners, Toviraka Amona, Program Manager - Gender, said: “Bel isi PNG works because of the collaboration of all its partners.

We are now focusing on our sustainability plans, with Santos Foundation transitioning Bel isi PNG to a standalone entity with the support of our partners”.

Head of Santos Foundation PNG Jean Martin described Bel isi as a real passion project for many at the Foundation, not only for the work it has taken to keep the model functioning but also for the many hundreds of lives it has now touched.

“Every minute, a woman or child needs help for family violence, I am proud that Santos continues to support a service that stands ready to respond,” she said.

Bel isi PNG’s success has been a result of the great partnership with all involved including the Santos Foundation, the Australian Government, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Steamships, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), security firm G4S and the National Capital District Commission, as well as many others that have contributed to the success of this program.

Bel isi PNG thanks the ongoing support of the key donor partners: Australian Government, Santos, BSP, Steamships Trading Co.

The Initiative also thanks its implementing partners, Santos Foundation, Femili PNG, BCFW, G4S and NCDC.

Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell, US Ambassador-at-Large Greeta Rao Gupta and US Assistant Secretary Witkowsky, with Femili PNG CEO and Bel isi PNG Case Management Staff .

Bel isi PNG received high level visits and donations from partners in PNG and Australia.

In the month of May, the case management centre (CMC) was visited by two high level delegates from Australia and the US Embassy. Visiting the CMC was the Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus- Campbell and her US counterpart, US Ambassador-at- Large Greeta Rao Gupta and US Assistant Secretary Witkowsky . During the visit, the delegates were given an overview of the Bel isi PNG program and the opportunity to speak to the CMC staff. The visit also included gifting of donations by staff from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.

Following this, the Santos Foundation CEO, Jodie Hatherly also paid a visit to the CMC. She was accompanied by the Head of Santos Foundation PNG, Jean Martin, who is also a Board member of Bel isi PNG. Again, the visitors were given an opportunity to learn about the Bel isi PNG program and speak to staff at the CMC and ask questions. Jodie presented donations sent in by the Santos Planning, Tax, Group Finance and Insurance teams in Adelaide, as well as from Helen Toney of Santos Brisbane.

It was during Jodie’s visit that she presented the CMC with the Santos EHSS Award to Bel isi PNG for winning the Santos Foundation Program/Project of the year award.

The CMC was also visited by a Board Director from Santos Foundation, Peter Hearl. This was Peter’s first visit to Port Moresby as Santos Foundation Board Member.

He was grateful to the Bel isi PNG CMC staff for the work they do with survivors of violence.

Bel isi PNG would like to thank the staff at the Australian High Commission and Santos for the donations, as well as the companies and private citizens who continue to support the CMC through donations.

Bel isi PNG is grateful for these donations, given most survivors of violence leave with only the clothes on their backs. These donations are given to women and children who need of support and relief from an already traumatic situation.

1. What is your favourite food? A PNG cuisine cooked a certain way.

   Baked sweet potato (kaukau) in lots of coconut cream

2. What’s your favourite movie?

   The mask. This is also my 9 year old’s favourite.

3. What is the one place you would love to visit?

   Climb PNG’s highest mountain, Mt Wilhelm.

4. Favourite past time?

   Spending time with children at the beach.

5. When did you join Bel isi PNG Inc.?

   Started on the last week of April of this year.

6. What drew you to Bel isi PNG Inc.?

   Looking at the partnership within the private sector itself and how the private sector is working to address Family Sexual Violence (FSV) got me interested in the role. The model Bel isi PNG Inc. is built on looks to be very sustainable and I look forward to being a part of that.

7. What were your prevoius roles/jobs?

   Prior to joining Bel isi PNG Inc., I had been employed mostly within the civil society organizations (CSO) with Eastern Highlands Family Voice, CSO located in Goroka and before that, the international non-government organization, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for nature.

8. What does your current role involve?

   My current role involves providing oversight to Bel isi PNG activities and maintain partnerships involved in the implementation of Bel PNG initiative. This includes ensuring the transition of Bel isi PNG to the standalone entity, Bel isi PNG Inc. This means, making sure that there are processes and organizational governance and structures in place to ensure that Bel isi PNG Inc. operates as an independent entity.

9. Why is this work important to you?

   It’s the passion. I am passionate about working to ensure that women are empowered in the decisions they make for their own lives. It also important for me to ensure that there is a safe space where women can go to for support.

10. What are three things people can do now to make a difference to GBV in PNG?

    i) Start at home. Sensitize and educate children, especially sons to be good respectful human beings in their families, communities and societies.

    ii) Be advocate in your home, in your community and your society.

    iii) Partnerships. You cannot achieve a lot of things without partnerships. I recall the quote offered by a panel member at the recent Leadership Forum, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” and I think it makes perfect sense when we talk about partnerships.

Dr Joanne Loundes, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission to PNG. Dr Loundes provided the keynote address at the 4th Leadership Forum.

Bel isi PNG proudly organised the 4th Leadership Forum at the Hilton Hotel since inception at the Hilton Hotel.

In attendance were the Governor for NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop, NCD City Manager, Ravu Frank, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission to PNG, Dr. Joanne Loundes and the European Union Ambassador, H.E Jacques Farindi and Bel isi PNG Board members.

The welcome address was delivered by the Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray, followed by keynote address by Dr Loundes. During her address, Dr Loundes noted the continued support by the Australian Government to Bel isi PNG in addressing family and sexual violence (FSV).

A panel discussion addressing the theme of the evening, “Creating Safe Spaces through Building Partnership: 5 years and beyond” followed.

The panel included Dr Loundes (Australian High Commission), Rupert Bray (Steamships), Vavine Mulina (TotalEnergies) and Simon Barnes (DT Global). Moderating the discussion was Ayesha Lutschini, Team Leader for the PNG Women Lead program.

The discussion centred around what safe spaced meant to the panelists and how their organizations have created safe spaces for their staff to disclose experiences of family & sexual violence (FSV) at the workplace.

One of the challenges noted during the panel discussion was staff having confidence and trust in internal referral system when experiencing FSV. However, during the discussions, it was noted that the education sessions have improved staff ability to come forward and disclose FSV incidences and seek support.

During this event, two of the implementing partners were also celebrated as they achieve 10 year anniversaries this year. These are Femili PNG and Business Coalition for Women (BCFW). A slide show demonstrated the work that two organizations have done in addressing FSV.

Bel isi PNG partners thank Femili PNG and BCFW for the continued partnership.

The evening was closed off by Governor Parkop, commending the private sector’s leadership in addressing FSV at the workplace, noting similar support in the public sector and how learnings can be shared to improve FSV response for employees in the public sector as well.

Bel isi PNG would like to thank all the partners for their support in organizing the event and the participants that attended the Leadership Forum.

Pictured above are some of the representatives from subscribing companies with the Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray.

The inaugural Bel isi PNG Annual General Meeting (AGM) was conducted in May this year. This is the first time an AGM has been held for the organisation since its transition to a standalone entity.

Joining the AGM were Board members and representatives from subscribing companies. These included representation from 13 of the 19 subscribing companies. The AGM was conducted in person at the Steamships @345 building, with two of the Board members and three company reps dialing in via Teams.

Discussion at the AGM included amendments to the Constitution to waive membership fees for implementing partners that do not currently pay any subscription fee. This was agreed to by those present and will allow for clarity on the status of nonpayment founding Board members.

Bel isi PNG subscribing companies as of June 2024 include:

1. Air Niugini

2. Australia Awards

3. Australian High Commission

4. Bank South Pacific Ltd

5. Brian Bell Group Ltd

6. Buk Bilong Pikinini

7. DT Global

8. Easy Skill Ltd

9. ExxonMobil PNG Ltd

10. Kina Bank Ltd

11. Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd

12. Nambawan Super Ltd

13. PNGFM Ltd

14. Santos PNG Ltd

15. Steamships Trading Co.

16. TotalEnergies EP PNG Ltd

17. UNDP Ltd

18. Westpac (PNG) Bank Ltd

19. World Bank

Outgoing Bel isi PNG Chair and Managing Director - Steamships Trading Co. with Steamships staff at the Bel isi PNG Leadership Forum.

The Bel isi PNG transition is currently underway and several things have been achieved during the set up of Bel isi PNG Inc. as a standalone organisation.

The Bel isi PNG Board approved the appointment of Joan Maima as the new Executive Director for Bel isi PNG Inc. towards the end of April with a 6 month probation. Joan brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the civil society organisations.

Bel isi PNG Inc. would like to acknowledge the departure of the current Bel isi PNG Board Chair, Rupert Bray. Some of the commitments Rupert has been instrumental in since his appointment as Board Chair have included providing oversight to the transition of Bel isi PNG to a standalone organisation and chairing both the inaugural Bel isi PNG Board and the first ever Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ma 2024. On behalf of Bel isi PNG and partners, we would like to thank Rupert’s meaningful contributions in addressing Family & Sexual Violence (FSV) in PNG. Tenkyu tru Rupert and we wish you all the very best in your new exciting role.