On 27 March 2025, Femili PNG coordinated a successful and impactful meeting at Mt Wilhelm Hotel in Kundiawa, bringing together the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and local service providers.
Femili PNG is working in partnership with the UNFPA as one of the implementing partners supported by KOICA under the Output Three: By 2028, women and girls who experience or are at risk of gender-based violence or sorcery-accusation-related violence, especially in hard-to-reach, underserved and conflict- or disaster-affected areas have access to quality, timely and well-coordinated multisector services.
Femili PNG since September 2024 has been coordinating with the service provides in Simbu through consultation, case management training and partner resourcing. It was a privileged for Femili PNG and Simbu service providers to organize the meeting with UNFPA and KOICA in person. The meeting provides an avenue for the donor organization to have a dialogue and hear directly from the service providers of their experiences in dealing with GBV and SARV cases. These insights will help the donors better understand the needs on the ground and identify ways to provide more targeted support.
In her opening remark, Femili PNG CEO Ms. Daisy Plana welcomed everyone and introduced the service providers to the KOICA and UNFA representatives. Daisy emphasized the value of the ongoing partnership and expressed sincere appreciation for the support provided.
“Many of them here have been working in this space for a long time but they have realized that there is a need for more knowledge and skills to provide a professional and client-centred case management services to the survivors. Femili PNG is grateful for the partnership with the UNFPA”
The UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Saira Shameen encouraged service providers to help her understand the challenges each of them face in assisting survivors. Ms. Shameen verbalised that UNFPA is committed to channel more resources to good work and to service providers that are providing services to women and girls thus; she is looking forward hearing and understand each one’s work.
Service providers representatives were given the time to speak. Each described their day-to-day activities and various challenges face. One of the main challenge highlighted is the need of a safe accommodation. They do not have a proper, more centralized safe house to accommodate survivors. As a result, most of the service providers accommodate clients at their homes and at the health facilities.
While acknowledging the dedication of service providers, Ms. Saira outlined key steps toward delivering the necessary support. She noted that UNFPA would explore potential funding opportunities to address the concerns raised. However, she also highlighted the impact of ongoing global funding cuts and urged service providers to begin preparing for fundraising efforts to help sustain their existing services.
“I will suggest for a fundraising or resource organization strategy dialogue where we can share with you some of the available resources internally and externally. We will also provide guidance on what are the required criteria and capacities to access. This is something our office can work with you facilitate service providers sustainability,” says Ms. Saira.
Service providers who attended the meeting included: Family Support Centre, Sexual Offence Squad (SOS), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Community Development, Disability rep, Court, Kup Women for Peace, Human Rights Defenders, Kundiawa Catholic Diocese (Caritas) and Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU).
Femili PNG extends its heartfelt gratitude to UNFPA and KOICA for their continued support and commitment to strengthening the capacity of service providers working to address FSV and SARV.
