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BEYOND BORDERS | A BARRICK GOLD REPORT ON RESPONSIBLE MININGPorgeraPAPUA NEW GUINEAPort MoresbyAUSTRALIAPACIFIC OCEANEditor’s NoteConfronting violenceagainst women in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea has one of the highest rates of familyviolence in the world. Independent studies by human rightsgroups and development agencies document a pervasive socialproblem that permeates the daily lives of women and girls.According to UNICEF, two-thirds of women experience violencein the home. A country analysis by Human Rights Watch earlierthis year states, “Violence against women and girls is epidemicin Papua New Guinea, with studies indicating that more thanhalf of all women in Papua New Guinea have suffered physicalassault by a male partner.” AUSAID, the Australian developmentagency, has described violence against women as a major barrierto PNG’s social, political and economic development. On a visitto the country in November, U.S. Secretary of State HillaryClinton agreed, participating in a women’s empowerment eventat Parliament House in the capital of Port Moresby.There are some positive signs that change can occur. TheNational Council of Women was established by the PNGGovernment to promote women’s rights and social justice.Council President Scholar Kakas believes her country is at acrossroads, moving from a traditional to a modern society.“We are running gender sensitization programs to help makepeople understand the importance of why violence is a majorproblem in this country and it has to stop.” Acting PNG PoliceCommissioner Tony Wagambie, who has been leading anintensive investigation into allegations of assaults on women bya small group of former security personnel at the Porgera mine,stated, “Enough is enough. Violence against others in any formwill not be tolerated on my watch.” Arrests have been made.Respect for the rights of women is a universal human rightsobligation that transcends distinctions between developed anddeveloping countries. Clearly, it is necessary to understand thecomplex cultural features of PNG society to allow for appropriateand effective responses. Rampant crime in some regions andlimited police resources are also key factors. The government,the justice and health sectors, credible human rights organizations,women’s groups and responsible companies all have arole to play. At the Porgera mine, improvements to the securityfunction and enhanced supportand services to the women in thecommunity are just some of theconstructive measures underway.Barrick is taking importantsteps forward and is committedto being a part of the solution.COUNCIL PRESIDENT SCHOLAR KAKASMarch 201135