Final Evaluation: Advocacy on Ending Violence Against Women (Papua New Guinea)

Location: Papua New Guinea
Grantee: Voice for Change
Grant period: February 2013 – January 2016
Grant amount: USD 252,500

Implemented by Voice for Change in Jiwaka province in Papua New Guinea, the “Advocacy on Ending Violence against Women” project aimed to:

(1) increase the accountability of Jiwaka’s provincial and local governments and civil society to promote gender equality and protect women’s human rights; and 

(2) gain provincial and local government approval in Jiwaka to implement laws to prevent and respond to violence against women in all local government areas. 

Main findings of the evaluation:

• Voice for Change became an important referral pathway between women and girls and the police and other services. This followed a community-level review of norms and customs that discriminate against and harm women and girls, which revealed an increasing awareness and high demand for gender-based violence services in all six local government areas of Jiwaka.
• Voice for Change engaged directly with communities, which allowed for a stronger and more resilient programme.
• Ongoing tribal fighting in the Jima community was resolved and sustainable peace was established. 
• Gender-based violence in public spaces – specifically Kudjip market – was nearly eliminated. The improvement is being sustained through market by-laws and cooperation between stakeholders, including women market vendors, business owners, elected leaders and the police.
• At a household level, families are enjoying significant economic benefits from challenging traditional gender roles and working together for greater productivity.

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