Sanap Strong Project targets gender-based violence in Oro Province

A new project targeting gender-based violence has recently launched in Oro Province. Promoting a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, family and sexual violence and child harm, the Sanap Strong project will upskill key community members to better prevent and respond to violence.

Led by international development organisation Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) in partnership with PNG Counsellors Association (PNGCA) and with project technical support from the Pacific Community through the Pacific Women Lead at SPC programme, funded by the Australian Government, Sanap Strong will upskill 180+ frontline community members with counselling skills over the coming months.

Hosted at KTF’s Safe Transit House in Oro Province, the Sanap Strong launch event was attended by representatives from key project partners, including the Popondetta Secretariat, Oro Community Development and FSVU, the Australian High Commission and KTF, signalling the vital role of cooperation and collaboration among partners in addressing gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea.

“Strong partnerships are key for the prevention of and response to violence in communities” says KTF CEO, Dr Genevieve Nelson. “We are thrilled to work alongside incredible local organisations and community members to ensure survivors can access critical support services, referral pathways and expertise. Together, we are standing up strong to create empowered and safe communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Building the capacity of a broad range of community stakeholders to embed survivor support systems at every level of the community, courses delivered by PNGCA will offer three levels of qualifications:

• 120 key frontline stakeholders including police, healthcare workers, government partners and community leaders will undertake a 10-Day Basic Counselling Training course, empowering them to deliver survivor-centred approaches when working with traumatised survivors. 

• 60 local community members who support survivors of violence, especially women and girls, will have the opportunity to undertake a 5-Day Community-Based Helper Training.

• Two community members to complete Nationally Certified Certificate IV in Counselling in Port Moresby, enhancing case management services at KTF’s Safe House.

Ume Wainetti, Board Advisor for PNGCA, shared that "PNGCA is thrilled to partner with KTF to prioritise the development of skilled, qualified and accredited counsellors in Oro Province. By providing counsellor training and services in communities, we are equipping community members with the skills to advocate and respond to gender-based violence, support survivors on their healing journey and foster safer communities."

By standing up strong together, we can make our communities safer for everyone by embedding a zero-tolerance approach to violence and upskilling local frontline community members with effective skills, knowledge and expertise to better support survivors of violence, especially women and girls. Through upskilling, strengthening referral pathways and providing survivor support services through KTF’s Safe Transit House, Sanap Strong is walking alongside survivors for a new start to life.

Sanap Strong is generously supported by the PNGAus Partnership through Pacific Women Lead and ANCP. The project is also supported by an anonymous donor and the general Australian public through KTF fundraising and events.