Addressing sorcery and witchcraft accusation-related violence in Papua New Guinea

Belief in sorcery or witchcraft is deeply entrenched and widely held in different forms across Papua New Guinea, not only in remote and/or rural areas.  Violence related to accusations of sorcery or witchcraft is a real problem.

Research conducted in two provinces between January 2016 and October 2017 found that one-third of almost 150 recorded cases of accusations of sorcery or witchcraft resulted in violence, and of these, almost three quarters involved torture of people accused of sorcery or witchcraft. More than one in ten were killed and over one-third were permanently injured.

The Government of Papua New Guinea developed a comprehensive Sorcery and Witchcraft Accusation Related Violence (SARV) National Action Plan in 2015 to address the problem of sorcery accusation-related violence.  The National Action Plan has the following core areas: services (through counselling, health sector and child protection); prevention through advocacy and communications; legal protection and prosecution; and research.

The Australian Government is working in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea in all core areas through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) and Justice Services and Stability for Development programs.

On 30 October 2018, the Pacific Women program brought together community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, churches, the PNG National Research Institute and universities based in both Papua New Guinea and Australia to conduct a workshop and a public forum.

The workshop aims to bring together various stakeholders engaging in research work around sorcery accusation related violence to improve the communication of activities by partners to the SARV committee and to ensure that stakeholders are aware of various activities, lessons learnt and key findings emerging from current project work.

On 1 November 2018, a Public Forum will be hosted at the National Museum and Art Gallery from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

The forum will have Human Rights Defenders share their experiences of prevention and mediation strategies that work best in their communities. Oxfam will be sharing its findings on a gender-based violence baseline survey with results on sorcery accusation related violence. The Queensland University of Technology will also share their experiences of using research to support the development of audio-visual materials such as digital stories and their impact in communities. Together, these stakeholders will also launch the Communicating the Law Toolkit, a resource that provides participatory strategies for engagement with community groups.  Other stakeholders such as Tribal Foundation will share their experience on extensive advocacy and awareness through their Senisim Pasin Campaign.

The forum will be an opportunity to meet, interact and learn about what is happening to eliminate sorcery accusation related violence in our communities. 

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact Dr. Jacqueline Kauli, email: j.kauli@qut.edu.au or Gabriella Marimyas, email: Gabriella.Marimyas@pacificwomen.org.fj

Source: HERE

Di PNG, Korban kekerasan sihir ditolak keluarganya

Jayapura, Jubi – Seorang korban kekerasan terkait tuduhan ilmu sihir dan santet (SARV) di sebuah distrik di Provinsi Enga, Papua Nugini, dilaporkan ditolak oleh keluarganya sendiri setelah dia diselamatkan oleh kelompok advokasi keadilan sosial.

Wanita tersebut, seorang ibu empat anak dari Londol di Ambum, disiksa dan dibakar hidup-hidup, menurut laporan Post-Courier. Demikian dikutip jubi.id dari laman internet RNZ Pasifik, Senin (7/4/2025).

Media berita itu melaporkan bahwa dia diselamatkan oleh Caritas Enga, sebuah organisasi yang bekerja dengan masyarakat untuk meningkatkan kesadaran tentang SARV, dan dirawat di rumah sakit selama beberapa bulan.

“Namun, wanita itu ditolak oleh keluarganya sendiri saat dia dibawa oleh tim Caritas ke keluarganya,” kata laporan itu.

“Menurut Caritas Enga, para pemimpin masyarakat bekerja keras untuk membuat keluarga korban berubah pikiran, sementara korban dirawat oleh pendeta paroki setempat di Londol.”

Caritas Enga, kata laporan itu, telah melaksanakan pelatihan advokasi dan inisiatif pembangunan perdamaian untuk mengubah sikap di masyarakat, dan menambahkan bahwa kelompok tersebut telah melaksanakan lebih dari 40 pelatihan semacam itu di Provinsi Enga.

Kekerasan akibat sihir merupakan masalah besar di Papua Nugini, dan meskipun ada seruan untuk undang-undang yang lebih ketat untuk mencegah kekerasan tersebut , pemerintah masih kesulitan untuk menemukan solusinya .

Meskipun jumlah pasti kasusnya sulit dipastikan, akademisi Universitas Nasional Australia Miranda Forsyth menduga “ada ratusan kasus seperti ini setiap tahun”.

“Kami tahu bahwa hal itu berdampak pada berbagai komunitas dengan cara yang berbeda. Dan hal itu menyebar ke provinsi-provinsi yang sebelumnya tidak pernah ada,” katanya kepada Pacific Waves pada Maret 2024 .

Pada bulan Agustus 2024, aktivis Evelyn Kunda, yang memberikan dukungan kepada para penyintas SARV, mengatakan kepada Pacific Waves bahwa pihak berwenang telah mengecewakan mereka.

“Kita betul-betul butuh keadilan, atau hukum harus kuat, baru kemudian masuk ke desa, atau kita harus membuat peraturan daerah di masyarakat,” katanya saat itu. (*) 

Empowering Melanesian Mothers: Leading the Charge in Entrepreneurship

Melanesia, a region rich in culture and potential, stands on the cusp of an economic transformation. At the heart of this transformation lies an untapped resource: its mothers. Promoting the participation and proactive leadership of Melanesian mothers in entrepreneurship is not just a matter of equality; it's a strategic imperative for regional growth.

The Untapped Potential of Melanesian Mothers

Melanesian mothers are the cornerstones of their families and communities. They possess a deep understanding of local needs, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to their children's future. These qualities make them ideal candidates to drive entrepreneurial ventures that address community challenges and create economic opportunities.

PAPUAmart.com Limited: A Catalyst for Change

PAPUAmart.com Limited, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is pioneering a transformative approach to empower Melanesian mothers. Their proposal focuses on enabling mothers to own and manage their own modern retail businesses, both online and onsite. This includes:

• Online and Onsite Modern Retail Stores: Providing mothers with the tools and training to manage their own retail outlets, offering a diverse range of products and services tailored to local needs.
• Online and Mobile Application Based Ticket and Hotel Booking: Equipping mothers to tap into the growing tourism sector by managing ticket and hotel booking services through user-friendly digital platforms.
• Online Marketplace: Creating a platform for mothers to showcase and sell their products, connecting them with a wider customer base across Melanesia and beyond.

Strategies for Promoting Entrepreneurship

To effectively promote the participation and leadership of Melanesian mothers in entrepreneurship, a multi-faceted approach is required:

• Access to Training and Education: Providing targeted training programs that equip mothers with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business, including financial literacy, marketing, and technology.
• Access to Funding and Resources: Establishing micro-loan programs and grant opportunities specifically designed to support women-led businesses.
• Mentorship and Networking: Creating platforms for mothers to connect with experienced entrepreneurs and mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Technology and Infrastructure: Investing in digital infrastructure and providing access to technology that enables mothers to participate in the online marketplace.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Tailoring programs and initiatives to respect and align with the cultural values and traditions of Melanesian communities.
• Government Support: Enacting policies that support women-owned businesses and promote gender equality in entrepreneurship.

The Path Forward

Empowering Melanesian mothers to lead in entrepreneurship is an investment in the future of the region. By providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need, we can unlock their immense potential and drive sustainable economic growth that benefits all Melanesian communities. The PAPUAmart.com Limited proposal offers a promising model for achieving this vision, and it is crucial that governments, organizations, and individuals work together to support and expand such initiatives across Melanesia.

by Wewo Kotokay, Founder of PAPUAmart.com Limited

Sejarah Hari Perempuan Internasional diperingati di Dunia

Oleh Penatua Adat Wewo Kotokay

Hari Perempuan Internasional (IWD) adalah hari libur global merayakan tahunan pada 8 Maret untuk mengenali prestasi wanita dan meningkatkan kesadaran tentang kesetaraan gender dan hak wanita. Asal-usul IWD dapat dilacak kembali ke awal abad ke-20, waktu ketika hak wanita mendapatkan momentum di seluruh dunia.

Akar Hari Perempuan Internasional dapat ditemukan dalam gerakan tenaga kerja dan sosialis abad ke-20 awal. Pada tahun 1908, 15.000 wanita berbaring melalui New York City menuntut jam yang lebih pendek, membayar yang lebih baik, dan hak suara. Tahun berikutnya, Partai Sosialis Amerika menyatakan Hari Perempuan Nasional pertama pada tanggal 28 Februari.

Pada tahun 1910, di International Conference of Working Women di Kopenhagen, Denmark Socialist Clara Zetkin mengusulkan pendirian Hari Perempuan Internasional tahunan untuk menganjurkan hak dan kecucian wanita. Proposal ini disetujui oleh wanita yang hadir di konferensi dan Hari Perempuan Internasional pertama dirayakan di Austria, Denmark, Jerman, dan Swiss pada tanggal 1911 Maret.

Sepanjang abad ke-20, Hari Perempuan Internasional menjadi titik fokus bagi gerakan wanita di seluruh dunia. Di Rusia, wanita mengamati Hari Perempuan Internasional pada tanggal 8 Maret 1913, untuk memprotes Perang Dunia I dan menganjurkan untuk perdamaian. Tanggal ini kemudian diadopsi oleh negara-negara lain dan telah dirayakan sebagai Hari Wanita Internasional sejak itu.

Pentingnya Hari Perempuan Internasional terletak pada perannya sebagai platform untuk merayakan pencapaian wanita, menganjurkan kesetaraan gender, dan meningkatkan kesadaran tentang hak-hak wanita pada skala global. Ini adalah hari untuk mencerminkan kemajuan yang dibuat terhadap kesetaraan gender dan untuk menyoroti tantangan yang tetap.

Salah satu alasan utama untuk merayakan Hari Perempuan Internasional adalah untuk mengenali kontribusi wanita di semua bidang, termasuk politik, ilmu, seni, dan bisnis. Ini adalah waktu untuk menghormati para wanita trailblazing yang telah membuat perbedaan di dunia dan untuk menginspirasi generasi masa depan wanita untuk mencapai potensi penuh mereka.

Aspek penting lain dari Hari Perempuan Internasional adalah perannya dalam memajukan kesetaraan gender dan meningkatkan kesadaran tentang hak-hak wanita. Meskipun kemajuan yang signifikan dalam hak wanita selama abad terakhir, wanita masih menghadapi diskriminasi, kekerasan, dan ketidaksetaraan di banyak bagian dunia. Hari Perempuan Internasional berfungsi sebagai pengingat pekerjaan yang masih perlu dilakukan untuk mencapai kesetaraan gender.

Dalam masyarakat hari ini, Hari Perempuan Internasional tetap relevan seperti sebelumnya. Gerakan #MeToo, kampanye Up Time, dan Maret Wanita hanya beberapa contoh upaya baru-baru ini untuk mengatasi ketidaksetaraan gender dan meningkatkan kesadaran tentang hak wanita. Hari Perempuan Internasional menyediakan platform bagi individu dan organisasi di seluruh dunia untuk datang bersama dan menganjurkan untuk perubahan.

Kesimpulan, Hari Perempuan Internasional memiliki sejarah yang kaya berakar dalam gerakan tenaga kerja dan sosialis abad ke-20. Ini berfungsi sebagai hari untuk merayakan prestasi wanita, mendukung kesetaraan gender, dan meningkatkan kesadaran tentang hak wanita pada skala global. Sementara kemajuan telah dibuat, masih ada pekerjaan yang harus dilakukan untuk mencapai kesetaraan gender sejati. Hari Perempuan Internasional mengingatkan kita tentang pentingnya berdiri untuk hak perempuan dan bekerja terhadap masyarakat yang lebih adil dan hanya untuk semua orang.

Background Information on Internatonal Women's Day Celebration in the World

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8th to recognize women's achievements and raise awareness about gender equality and women's rights. The origins of IWD can be traced back to the early 20th century, a time when women's rights were gaining momentum around the world.

The roots of International Women's Day can be found in the labor and socialist movements of the early 20th century. In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. The following year, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Women's Day on February 28th.

In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Danish socialist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of an annual International Women's Day to advocate for women's rights and suffrage. The proposal was unanimously approved by the women present at the conference and the first International Women's Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911.

by Elder Wewo Kotokay,

Throughout the early 20th century, International Women's Day became a focal point for women's movements around the world. In Russia, women observed International Women's Day on March 8, 1913, to protest World War I and advocate for peace. This date was later adopted by other countries and has been celebrated as International Women's Day ever since.

The significance of International Women's Day lies in its role as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women, advocate for gender equality, and raise awareness about women's rights on a global scale. It is a day to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to highlight the challenges that remain.

One of the key reasons for celebrating International Women's Day is to recognize the contributions of women in all fields, including politics, science, arts, and business. It is a time to honor the trailblazing women who have made a difference in the world and to inspire future generations of women to reach their full potential.

Another important aspect of International Women's Day is its role in advocating for gender equality and raising awareness about women's rights. Despite significant progress in women's rights over the past century, women still face discrimination, violence, and inequality in many parts of the world. International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

In today's society, International Women's Day remains as relevant as ever. The #MeToo movement, Time's Up campaign, and the Women's March are just a few examples of recent efforts to address gender inequality and raise awareness about women's rights. International Women's Day provides a platform for individuals and organizations around the world to come together and advocate for change.

In conclusion, International Women's Day has a rich history rooted in the labor and socialist movements of the early 20th century. It serves as a day to celebrate women's achievements, advocate for gender equality, and raise awareness about women's rights on a global scale. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve true gender equality. International Women's Day reminds us of the importance of standing up for women's rights and working towards a more equitable and just society for all.

Kundiawa, 1958. Photo by Helen Groger-Wurm, ANU

Special thanks to Peter Russel Kranz for sharing this information and photo.

#Kundiawa #SimbuProvince #PapuaNewGuinea #PNGHistory #ThrowbackPNG #1950sPNG #HighlandsLife #ANUArchives #HistoricPNG #AerialView #ChangingLandscapes #ColonialPNG #SimbuHeritage #OldKundiawa #PNGThrowback

Entrepreneurship by our Hagen fore fathers in colonial era

Down-payment on a truck. A coffee planter deposits one shilling pieces saved by his clan for a truck to be used by all, Mt Hagen bank, 1962. National Geographic.

Photo and story by Barry Tan