8 Nov 2003

Bougainville women call protest after rape on PNG island

10:09 am on 8 November 2003

Women from the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville called a protest march in Buka yesterday, to demand tougher laws to tackle crime on the island.

According to a report in the Post Courier newspaper, the Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency director, Helen Hakena, says they are also pushing for the enforcement of laws against sexual crimes such as incest, rape and sexual harassment.

Mrs Hakena says the planned march is also part of a call on the government and responsible authorities on the island to speed up the third stage of the weapons disposal programme.

The protest comes just days after the rape and murder of a 14-year old girl from Malasang village.

The incident has also prompted Bougainville leaders to set up a task force to address the matter.