Project Background

The Strengthening the Nationwide CSO system to prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence in Papua New Guinea is funded by the Department of Community Development and Religion (DFCDR) and implemented by UNDP Papua New Guinea to strengthen community-led responses to gender-based violence (GBV). The project supports civil society organizations (CSOs) as key partners in prevention, service delivery, advocacy, and survivor support.

Through funding, capacity building, and technical assistance, the project enhances CSOs’ ability to provide quality, survivor-centered services and to engage in effective advocacy that promotes accountability and protection. It also works to expand referral networks between CSOs, state agencies, and the Family and Sexual Violence Units of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, ensuring survivors can access timely and appropriate support.
By empowering CSOs to respond more effectively to GBV, the project contributes to Papua New Guinea’s national commitments to end violence against women and girls, in line with the National GBV Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The project reflects UNDP’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between government, communities, and civil society to build safer, more inclusive societies for all.

Expected Results

The project expects a multi-pronged benefit for CSO's working on GBV by providing grants training and technical assistance CSO's will be better equipped with the resources and knowledge to tackle GBV issues effectively. 8 CSOs were selected nationally to address Gender Based Violence (GBV), Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), and addressing the compounding vulnerability for violence for marginalized groups.

Status: Active 

Project Time Frame:

Project start date: June 2024
Project end date: February 2026
 
Location: Enga Province,  Western Highlands Province, Eastern Highlands Province, Western Province, Sandaun Province, West New Britain Province, Oro Province, National Capital District

Focus Area: Gender Based Violence 
 

Partners: 

Department of Community Development and Religion, National Gender Based Violence Secretariat 
Catholic Diocese of Wabag, Kyo-Konda Community Development Association, The Salvation Army, West New Britain Seif Haus, The Leprosy Mission PNG, Servants of the Lord Vanimo, Magna Carta INC, Callan Services

Donor: 

Department of Community Development and Religion 

Budget: K 1,000,000 

Contacts:

Ms. Laura Crossfield 
Gender, Safeguarding and Disability Focal Point 
E: Laura.crossfield@undp.org 
 

Relevant content from this project: 

From a Wheelbarrow to a Wheelchair: Nelisha's Journey to Education

"I led these boys to burn those women:" Kevin Lungu is a repenting participant of witch hunts

“Leprosy isn’t witchcraft! It’s curable!”: Micah is a survivor of leprosy and sorcery accusation

"They said we had eaten his heart": Annabelle is a survivor of sorcery accusation related violence

“There's nothing wrong with us!”: Anna Samingian is a deaf activist for disability rights in PNG