In a nation long plagued by some of the world's highest rates of violence against women, a quiet revolution is taking root. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is pioneering a radical, community-led approach that is showing unprecedented promise in protecting its women and girls.
A Crisis of Epidemic Proportions
For decades, PNG has faced a devastating epidemic of gender-based violence, with more than two-thirds of women experiencing physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. Traditional justice systems and overstretched police forces have struggled to stem the tide, leaving countless victims without recourse or protection.
The Power of Local Solutions
The breakthrough comes not from top-down government mandates, but from empowering local communities to develop their own solutions. Village courts, employing respected local leaders, are now handling cases of domestic violence through mediation and restorative justice practices tailored to cultural contexts.
This method focuses on reconciliation and behavioural change rather than purely punitive measures, often involving compensation payments and community service orders that maintain family unity while condemning the violence.
Remarkable Early Results
Early data from regions implementing these community justice initiatives shows a dramatic shift:
- Significant reduction in repeat offences
- Increased reporting of violence as women gain confidence in local systems
- Greater community engagement in preventing violence before it occurs
- Improved support networks for survivors
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite these promising developments, enormous challenges remain. Limited funding, remote geography, and deeply entrenched cultural norms continue to hamper progress. Many experts argue that while community justice shows great promise, it must work in tandem with stronger formal legal frameworks and better resourced support services for survivors.
International organisations are now watching PNG's experiment closely, recognising that if successful, this model could offer valuable lessons for other post-conflict societies and developing nations grappling with similar crises of gender-based violence.
