Port Moresby, 18 March 2025 — Central Province Governor Rufina Peter has publicly acknowledged the longstanding and vital contributions of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) in Papua New Guinea’s national efforts to end violence against women.
Speaking during the opening of the recent Parliamentary sitting, Governor Peter highlighted CIMC’s instrumental role through the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC), noting its impact in shaping government policies and galvanizing parliamentary attention on gender-based violence (GBV).
“I would like to acknowledge CIMC for championing the establishment of FSVAC in the early 2000s,” Governor Peter said. “The committee’s work laid the foundation for the national GBV strategy and paved the way for the creation of the Parliamentary Committee addressing women’s issues and GBV—now a historic achievement we can proudly reflect on as PNG marks 50 years of independence.”
Established in 2000 as one of CIMC’s eleven sectoral committees, FSVAC was created with the mission to reduce the prevalence and trauma caused by physical, sexual, and psychological violence within families, while improving survivors’ access to justice and support services. Governor Peter noted that from 2013 to 2016, FSVAC expanded its role by providing technical expertise and strategic guidance focused on survivor protection, advocacy, and service provision.
A landmark moment followed in 2016, when the PNG government formally endorsed the National GBV Strategy 2016–2025—a comprehensive framework developed with significant input from CIMC, its broad network of stakeholders, and development partners. This foundational strategy continues to shape the country’s approach to combating GBV and is currently being updated through a review process to inform the next phase: the GBV Strategy 2025–2030.
Governor Peter referenced a pivotal 2001 CIMC discussion paper, which described FSVAC as the sole national entity dedicated exclusively to tackling family and sexual violence. The committee’s consultative model has fostered collaboration across government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and private sector actors, strengthening PNG’s collective response to GBV.
She further commended the ongoing commitment of the Marape Rosso Government for its support in advancing GBV initiatives nationwide, emphasizing the importance of sustained political will and resources to protect vulnerable women and children.
“The fight against gender-based violence requires continuous effort, coordination, and strong leadership,” Governor Peter affirmed. “I encourage all stakeholders to build on CIMC’s legacy and ensure that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve.”
Her remarks underscore a critical milestone in PNG’s social development journey, recognizing that legislative frameworks and coordinated action are central to addressing one of the country’s most pressing human rights challenges.
As PNG moves forward, the partnership between government bodies like CIMC, Parliament, and civil society remains key to creating safer communities and empowering survivors across the nation.