UNDP supports a parliamentary inquiry on gender equality

On 25-26 March 2025, UNDP supported Papua New Guinea's Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in hosting its first parliamentary inquiry of 2025.

April 10, 2025

The inquiry is held each year to track Papua New Guinea's progress in advancing gender equality and addressing gender-based violence

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

For two days, relevant stakeholders gathered together at the Parliament of Papua New Guinea to assess national progress on addressing gender-based violence and advancing women’s empowerment. UNDP supported in facilitating the inquiry through its Australia-funded 'Strengthening Papua New Guinea Parliament' project.

In the course of the inquiry, key Government departments, including the Department for Community Development and Religion, Department of Justice and Attorney General, Department of National Planning, and the Department of Treasury presented updates on the resources they have allocated towards GBV prevention and response. Representatives of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, judiciary, and health sector also submitted reports detailing their respective efforts in advancing gender equality.

The Committee also heard first hand testimonies from civil society organizations, frontline service providers, and provincial administrations on the effectiveness of GBV and SARV response mechanisms at the community level. These insights highlighted both progress and gaps in services, funding, and coordination across sectors.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment is currently chaired by the Governor for National Capital District, Hon. Powes Parkop.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

“This inquiry has demonstrated the urgency of ongoing, coordinated action. While we acknowledge the progress made, we must continue to strengthen institutional responses and empower our communities to protect the rights and safety of women and girls,” the Chair of the Committee, Hon. Governor Powes Parkop, stated at the end of the inquiry.

The other committee members present at the hearing were Hon. Allan Bird, MP, Governor of East Sepik Province; Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel, the Member from Moresby Northwest Open; Hon. Franscis Alua, the Member from Karimui-Nomane Open; Hon. Ricky Morris, the Member from Alotau Open; and Hon. Marsh Narawec, the Member from Wau Waria Open.

Representatives of civil society participated in the inquiry to provide updates on the effectiveness of GBV legislation in the country

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

The outcomes of the inquiry will inform recommendations to Government and Parliament aimed at enhancing policy implementation, and improving coordination across sectors to accelerate gender equality in Papua New Guinea.