Femili PNG support partners in Mendi

Femili PNG has always worked closely with the police as a key partner, not only in Lae and Port Moresby where its case management centres are located, but in other provinces as well. As part of establishing relationships with stakeholders in Southern Highlands, Femili PNG donated a desktop, printer with ink, and power protector to the Mendi Police Station general counter on Tuesday 13^th April with support of the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program. Hand sanitisers and facemasks were also given with the assistance of the Spotlight Initiative to help the officers safely carry out their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation was received by Chief Sgt Joshua Koaire and his team at the Mendi Police Station in Southern Highlands Province. Chief Sgt Koaire thanked Femili PNG and acknowledged that this was much-needed support that will help the Public Safety Division, which is the front counter that attends to most of the complaints. Most complaints were family issues and abuses which are processed by the front desk and referred to the Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU). He admitted that his team were capable in carrying out their operational duties, but face major challenges with administrative functions due to limited resources. Chief Sgt Koaire said, ‘’with this support given to us, the police station will go a step forward. I believe that this will be a boost in their morale, and my policemen will go ahead to do more.’’ He also acknowledged Femili PNG CEO Ms Daisy Plana for being present for the donation.

Ms Plana thanked Chief Sgt Koaire for his kind remarks in appreciation of Femili PNG’s support. Ms Plana explained Femili PNG’s role in helping survivors of family and sexual violence and sorcery accusation-related violence, and its partnership with stakeholders. She said, ‘’we as a local NGO can only do as much to help with some practical things that the survivors may require, but at the end of the day, it is from your institutions that they can receive protection and justice.’’ Acknowledging the challenges faced by the police, Ms. Plana concluded that Femili PNG hopes that this support can help the Mendi police in their work.

Femili PNG team including the Spotlight Program Manager Ms Delvin Yamasombi also delivered hand sanitisers and facemasks, including COVID-19 and family and sexual violence information materials to FSVU, Family Support Centre, Kirapim Southern Highlands Association, and the St Frances Care Home in Mendi. St Frances Care Home was also assisted with food and necessities to provide to the children accommodated at the home. This support was made possible through the Spotlight Initiative.

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