251110 SAY NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
By Aloysius Laukai

Non Government Organizations united to celebrate the White Ribbon Day to commemorate the day and advocate for the stop in violence against women and Children throughout the world.

The Celebration in Buka was spearheaded by the NGO group Leitana Nehan Development Agency and with the support of UNIFEM, WORLD VISION, CARE INTERNATIONAL and other stake holders on Bougainville.

Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the need to stop violence against women and children in homes.
Speaker, HELLEN HAKENA spoke on the need for men to respect women and advocate more on this.

UNIFEM representative, AGNES TITUS said that women are more vulnerable to violence describing the life of woman as vulnerable from womb to the tomb.

MRS. TITUS said that respect for women and girls should start at home with the family.
And she called on the people of Bougainville to advocate for violence against women and children.

Other Speakers that spoke included two University Students who spoke on the different rights for women and children.

A woman Police Officer, Senior Constable Joyce Tseraha called on women to report domestic violence to Police.

She said that this was one way of stopping the occurrence of domestic Violence.

Police woman TSERAHA also called on women not to withdraw cases once they are in the hands of law.

She said that out of about 20 cases reported to Police only 10 would go to the courts.

Constable Tseraha CALLED on the women to make sure that they are not forced by men to withdraw cases as they could end up in major problems if their husbands are not made to pay for their actions.

Picture by Aloysius Laukai
Haieta Dancers from Malasang village

Comments

[Leo Tuke]

Giving all the respect for women is NOT only for their protection and vulnerability, but I may also say that it is also a major step in development and moving forward. If we for instance look to developed countries like Australia and United States, take Australia for example, there are very strong laws and more than 90% are up held. Especially laws that protect the people, and women laws so protect them that they work like man...moreover a woman PM now. We see how they live. We enjoy walking on their land and feeling the freedom hanging in the air, like a sweet fragrance that refreshes the body - that free feeling. Australia is our neighbor, where else can we look and learn? We may have our traditions and customs concerning woman. But how long are we going to hang on to this and at the same time complain about violence against women? Are we blind? It is right there unveiling before our eyes. Come on men lets don't be blind, give our women a chance. Let them make some decisions. Allow them to try steer the ship for a little while. Vote them into power. SIMPLY GIVE THEM A CHANCE FOR THE SAKE OF DEVELOPMENT OR CAN I SAY CIVILIZATION??? Let us open up our minds and hearts to reality. Give women a chance!!!