Table 1: Papua New Guinea’s GII for 2017 relative to selected countries and groups 6 Table 2: Gender references in agriculture and rural development-related policies, legislation and strategies 24 Table 3: National plans and programmes for integration of gender equality and rural women’s 25 PNG’s population is estimated at 7.5 million and is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries, with over 850 indigenous languages. New Guinea" (Nueva Guinea) was the name coined by the Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez.In 1545, he noted the resemblance of the people to those he had earlier seen along the Guinea coast of Africa. Prioritize gender equality in international fora – by advocating for issues affecting women and girls, including a stand-alone goal on gender equality in the Post-2015 Development Agenda; and Lead by example – by continuing to promote, fund, and integrate gender equality into programs, policies, and planning in all areas of the State Department. Among the attendees of the gathering were organizations concerned with the issue of gender equality, academics, and school teachers. We will strengthen partnerships to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in Papua New Guinea through all Australia-funded development programs, as well as the effective implementation of Government of Papua New Guinea programs and policies such as the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence 2016-2025. Women work longer hours than men in coffee production but receive, on average, less than one-third of the income earned. Gender equality is a significant challenge in PNG, and systemic violations of women’s rights exist throughout the country. The Mercy Works Access to Education Project, involves building boarding facilities for over 200 high school students in three schools in remote areas. The focus will be on girls, (although not exclusively), who have potential but limited or no access to such opportunities because of lack of financial support. Apart from working with the National Constabulary and Health Department to develop policies and training manuals, UNFPA has also supported the training of health workers and police force to care for survivors of GBV and maintain a database of reported cases. This leaves them vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, which has become endemic in PNG society. Men make most of the decisions in the family and control most of the resources, and women are expected to conform to various societal rules and norms, often having their basic rights denied. Through this Access to Education Project, Mercy Works is also playing a small but significant role in addressing two of the Sustainable Development Goals:  Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning and Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Guinea, in its turn, is etymologically derived from the Portuguese word Guiné. Rates of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea are among the highest in the world, with some estimating that 70 per cent of women experience physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. Papua New Guinea’s leadership has taken some impressive steps toward greater gender equality and women’s empowerment. Mercy Works is engaged throughout mainland PNG, in both highland and lowland areas. Strengthening National Capacities of Health Sector in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste to Deliver Survivor-Centered Response to Gender-Based Violence Survivors will focus on two countries in the region with the highest level of lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence–PNG (68%) and Timor-Leste (59%). Foreword . Reasons to incorporate gender considerations and full and effective stakeholder engagement in PNG’s REDD+ Strategy and policies fall under three broad categories: legal, practical and ethical. Violence against women is unacceptably high and PNG’s systems of family and community relationships often exclude women from leadership and decision making roles. The United States will be watching with interest at how these new policies are put into practice and we stand ready to support our close partner in this region. In 2014, Papua New Guinea ranked 140 out of 155 countries of the Gender Inequality Index. Ms Stott Despoja visited Port Moresby from 13-15 November 2016 to launch the initiatives to advance women's empowerment in cooperation with Papua New Guinea and the United States of America. Gender inequality a struggle. Papua New Guinea’s leadership has taken some impressive steps toward greater gender equality and women’s empowerment. Gender equality is a significant challenge in PNG, and systemic violations of women’s rights exist throughout the country. Girls in particular can be exposed to violence and the terrifying but common threat of rape. In rural and urban areas, Papua New Guinean men commonly hold onto their traditional cultural practices, where tribal discipline and power is given to men to have authority over their clan and family members. UN Women is signatory … : 8. While reasons for women’s underrepresentation in health governance are manifold, structural causes including biased organisational gender norms are recognised as a major and persistent barrier to women’s participation. This responsibility means the cultural identity of women in East Pomio is tied closely to their ancestral land. Bringing equality to the coffee industry in Papua New Guinea In the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), coffee is an essential cash crop. These activities are run by local leaders, groups, organisations, international NGOs and multilateral organisations committed to promoting gender equality in Papua New Guinea. ISMAPNG – Profile, Leadership, Mercy Associates and Young Mercies, Safeguarding of Children and Adults at Risk, Spiritual Direction, Facilitation, Psychology, Counselling, Pastoral Care, Presence and Prayer, Institute Centre and Institute Leadership Team, Click here for ISMAPNG Affiliate Websites. 1 . Given the significant challenges of women’s political participation in PNG, UN Women in the Pacific established the Gender Equality in Political Governance Programme (GEPG) as a major focus within its regional democratic governance programme. Summary of Country Gender Profile in Papua New Guinea (2010) Current Situation of Women in Papua New Guinea 1) Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a largely heterogeneous population with most communities being patriarchal1 and women generally suffering as a result of their low social status. The United States will be watching with interest at how these new policies are put into practice and we stand ready to support our close partner in this region. IFC’s work in Papua New Guinea is focused on spurring on spurring private sector investments to help create new markets and jobs to diversify the economy away from its over-reliance on the extractives industry, a key challenge facing the country. 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