The Family Sexual Violence Action Committee in Papua New Guinea says progress is being made to stop violence against women in tribal areas.
Ume Wainetti Photo: RNZI Courtesy of ChildFund New Zealand
The committee's national programme co-ordinator, Ume Wainetti, said the male chiefs of some Mekeo tribes had ended customary practices that once punished women.
Ms Wainetti said beating and imprisoning widows perceived as bad wives, has ended in some areas.
"Mekeo chiefs are participating and actually encouraging women to stand up for their rights. End of last year they organised rallies in the Mekeo villages. Women came together. They've now imposed 200 kina fines on anyone who is drunk, swearing and abusing women on the road. That's just one example of what we are seeing but we still have a lot of work to do."
She said stopping violence against women in PNG can only be achieved with assistance from men.
