Girls and young women throughout the country can now dial 1565 to access the brand-new Oky Toky Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Hotline, a groundbreaking phone-based audio service providing real stories, engaging quizzes, and essential youth-friendly information on periods, puberty, and sexual and reproductive health — all delivered entirely in Tok Pisin.
This innovative service requires no internet connection and no reading ability, making it accessible to girls even in the most remote and hard-to-reach communities across Papua New Guinea. With a simple phone call, girls can explore important health topics through a friendly and interactive format that respects their privacy and meets them where they are.
The Oky Toky IVR Hotline was developed by Save the Children in partnership with UNICEF, with generous funding support from the Australian Government. It complements the existing Oky PNG platform, which includes the popular Oky PNG Period Tracker App and the well-loved Oky Toky radio show on Tribe FM, creating multiple channels to reach girls and empower them with knowledge.
“Sexual and reproductive health education is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said UNICEF Acting Representative, Vikas Singh, at today’s official launch event. “When girls understand their bodies and their rights, they are empowered to make informed choices that can transform their lives and their futures.”
The Oky Toky IVR Hotline is designed to overcome barriers such as low literacy, lack of internet access, and social stigma, ensuring that every girl in PNG can confidently access reliable information on puberty and reproductive health in a safe and supportive environment.
How to Use the Service:
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Simply dial 1565 on any mobile or landline phone.
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Listen to real-life stories from peers.
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Participate in fun and educational quizzes.
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Receive vital information tailored for youth in Tok Pisin.
This new service is a critical step toward promoting health, well-being, and gender equality across Papua New Guinea.
Try it now — dial 1565 and empower yourself with knowledge!