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Femili PNG partners with the Oil Search Foundation to strengthen systems in Hela province

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Oil Search Foundation, CEO, Kymberley Kepore (L) and Daisy Plana (R), CEO of Femili PNG solidify the agreement with a handshake that will see improved access to response services, health providers and referral for survivors of GBV in Hela.
Oil Search Foundation, CEO, Kymberley Kepore (L) and Daisy Plana (R), CEO of Femili PNG solidify the agreement with a handshake that will see improved access to response services, health providers and referral for survivors of GBV in Hela.

Press Release

Femili PNG and the Oil Search Foundation (the Foundation) have entered into a partnership to strengthen existing health and survivor’s referral systems in Hela province to respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The agreement signed on the 2 March 2017 brings together two local Papua New Guinean organisations and will improve access to response services and health providers including referral where needed for GBV survivors and communities.

GBV including Family and Sexual Violence (FSV) in Hela is a major challenge and the Foundation has been providing support to the Hela Provincial Hospital Family Support Centre (FSC) since March 2016.

“It’s a critical need in Hela. By strengthening existing services, we’re not only reaching and informing communities about the issues, we can also help to make sure survivors get treatment closer to their villages and if needed, referred to the Hela FSC or other support services in a holistic manner.” says Foundation CEO, Kymberley Kepore.

PNG is currently experiencing very high levels of GBV and especially FSV directed against women and children. But the response to survivors is hindered by lack of proper coordination and knowledge to adequately provide help that is needed. Often survivors need medical, psycho social care, emergency shelter, police protection, legal assistance and vocational training services.

Since 2014 Femili PNG has been using an innovative approach in Lae to work with partners and provide critical case management services to help survivors’ access crisis counselling, support and other interventions for protection and justice. It aims to help drive change through training stakeholder partners, case management and research.

CEO of Femili PNG, Daisy Plana said: “We are determined to highlight the issues of FSV in PNG. By partnering with the Oil Search Foundation in Hela we are helping to strengthen the nationwide response and providing improved services to survivors. Our message is clear. Family and Sexual Violence is not acceptable and must be addressed.”

The comprehensive program will include training at all levels of the Hela Provincial Health Authority; district health workers; community prevention and awareness activities; outreach; communication materials; mentoring and counselling support for the Hela FSC.

“At the Foundation we are committed to a Papua New Guinea where gender equality is realised and women are empowered to live productive lives free of violence and this partnership with Femili PNG Inc is critical to working towards this vision,” adds Jean Martin, Head of Expansion Programs.

The invaluable Femili PNG experience to Hela will be critical to driving forward a response to FSV and GBV and ensure that systems are strengthened to continue to respond into the future.

 

About the Oil Search Foundation
The Oil Search Foundation is a development partner in Papua New Guinea delivering signature programmes and grant management solutions to support the national development agenda in the areas of health, leadership and education, and women’s protection and empowerment.

Established and principally supported by Oil Search, the Oil Search Foundation has a comparative advantage working in the Papua New Guinea Highlands and Gulf region.

As a development partner, the Oil Search Foundation concentrates on building partner capacity to deliver services, directing the country’s resources towards national priorities that are most beneficial to communities, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels to support Papua New Guinea achieve its own development goals.

About Femili PNG Inc

Femili PNG is a local NGO based in Lae that runs a Case Management Centre (CMC) to assist survivors of family and sexual violence to access the services they need. Our target population is women, men or children who are survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence and/or child abuse. Funding is provided by the Australian aid program, and from private sector partners and individuals in PNG and Australia.