His Excellency Mr John Ma’o Kali, High Commissioner to Australia for Papua New Guinea, has become Femili PNG’s inaugural patron. Mr Kali has been a longstanding champion for gender equity and inclusion in PNG, lending strong support to Femili PNG’s calls to end gender-based violence.
Professor Stephen Howes, Chair of Femili PNG, described Mr Kali’s work as “inspirational and closely aligned with our vision, mission and values”.
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be the first patron of Femili PNG”, said Mr Kali, “I truly admire Femili PNG’s tireless work in combatting family and sexual violence, supporting survivors and changing attitudes. We have seen the recent public outcry in PNG, and I want to add my voice to the campaign to end violence against women in PNG.”
In PNG, 63% of married women have experienced violence from their spouses and 28% have experienced sexual violence. Of these survivors, only 35% sought help.
Femili PNG operates case management centres in Lae and Port Moresby, supporting survivors to access vital services such as medical assistance, safe accommodation, and law and justice interventions.
