Femili PNG received additional funding support on January 14, 2026, through Australia’s new commitment to strengthen crisis centres across the Pacific to respond to violence against women and girls.
The initiative, Pacific Strong: Amplifying Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls (PAVE), was announced by the Australian Government on 25 November — International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
When announcing the new initiative, the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong highlighted that violence against women and girls continues to undermine communities, economies and long-term security across the region. She emphasised that PAVE would play a critical role in addressing this challenge.
“By strengthening frontline services through PAVE, Australia is helping to build safer families and more resilient societies across our region,” Minster Wong said.
In Papua New Guinea, funding will be delivered through Australia’s PNG Women Lead Program and will strengthen the crisis response services of Femili PNG’s Goroka Case Management Centre, helping the organisation deliver better support for survivors of child abuse and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
In welcoming the support, Femili PNG CEO, Ms Daisy Plana stated that it would help response to family and sexual violence.
“This support enables us to respond more effectively to gender‑based violence and child abuse, ensuring survivors can access counselling, safe accommodation, medical care, and justice.”
The PAVE Program is a five-year regional program (2025–26 to 2029–30) designed to improve the access, quality, and reach of services for survivors of GBV across nine Pacific Island countries: Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
