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Report on gender-based violence out

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world and an estimated 66 percent of women are survivors of domestic violence, which was only criminalized in 2017 with the implementation of the Family Protection Act in 2017.

Perpetuated in part by cultural norms that marginalize woman in the public sphere, women are largely limited in their ability to take active roles in decision- making and politics in their communities.

Violence against women in elections (VAWE) in PNG is expressed through acute physical and verbal violence and rooted in deep structural inequality and gendered violence. It is based in cultural norms and strict gender roles that condone, tolerate and are enforced through gendered violence against women. This context- coupled with a broader culture of violence, intense tribal politics and gaps in the legal framework and enforcement to protect women- creates an environment hostile to women’s free and fair participation in electoral and political processes.

IFES carried out an assessment on violence against women in elections in 2018. This report was officially launched on Wednesday 29th of May 2019 in the presence of stakeholders and partners here in Bougainville. The report is available on the link here.

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