Woman laws at Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has made significant strides in advancing women's rights through legal reforms and policy initiatives. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where customary practices often intersect with statutory laws. Here's an overview of the current legal landscape concerning women's rights in PNG:
⚖️ Legal Framework for Women's Rights
1. Constitutional Equality
Section 55 of the PNG Constitution mandates equality for all citizens, irrespective of sex, in social, economic, and political development nd Gender Equality (2011–2015)
This policy outlines strategies to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in all spheres of life, emphasizing areas such as:
Gender-based violence
Women's health and education
Economic empowerment
Participation in decision-making processes
3. Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy
Launched in 2013, the GESI Policy aims to promote gender equality and social inclusion within the public service, ensuring that all citizens have equal access to resources and opportunities
🚨 Domestic Violence and Protection Measures
1. Domestic Violence (Offences) Act (2013)
This Act criminalizes various forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse. It provides mechanisms for victims to seek protection orders and legal recourse
2. Protective Orders
Victims of domestic violence can apply for protective orders through the courts, which may include provisions such as
-Restricting the abuser's contact with the victi
-Granting temporary custody of childre
-Providing exclusive possession of the family home
🧙♀️ Sorcery-Related Violence Sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) remains a significant issue in PNG, with women disproportionately affecte. The Glasman Act (2022) criminalizes the act of accusing someone of sorcery, with penalties of up to 10 years in priso. In a landmark case, a man was sentenced to five years in prison for falsely accusing a woman of sorcery, leading to her murder by a mob
🏛️ Political Representation
Women are underrepresented in PNG's political landscae The Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, formed in 2023, aims to increase women's representation in parliament through strategic planning and support for female candidates
🧭 Ongoing Challenges
*Implementation Gaps: While laws exist, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in remote aras.
*Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted customs sometimes conflict with statutory laws, complicating the protection of women's rigts.
*Access to Justice: Limited access to legal services and education hinders women's ability to seek justce.
📊 Summary Table
| Aspect | Status in Papua New Guinea || Constitutional Equality | Mandated under Section 55 of the Constitution | | National Gender Policy | National Policy for Women and Gender Equality (2011–2015) | | Domestic Violence Laws | Domestic Violence (Offences) Act (2013); protective orders available | | Sorcery-Related Violence | Glasman Act (2022) criminalizes sorcery accusations | | Political Representation | Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus formed in 2023 to increase women's representation | | Implementation Challenges | Enforcement gaps, cultural conflicts, and limited access to justice persist |
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In conclusion, while Papua New Guinea has established a legal framework aimed at promoting women's rights and gender equality, challenges in implementation and cultural norms continue to impede proges.Ongoing efforts are essential to ensure that women can fully exercise their rights and live free from violence and discriminaion.
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