Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant social issue in Papua New Guinea (PNG), manifesting in both moral and economic forms. Understanding these forms involves recognizing the complex interplay between cultural, social, and economic factors in the country.
Moral Gender-Based Violence
Moral gender-based violence in PNG often stems from deeply rooted cultural beliefs and gender norms that devalue women and perpetuate harmful practices. This form of violence can manifest in several ways:
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Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, and psychological abuse within domestic settings is prevalent, often justified by cultural norms that position men as dominant and women as submissive.
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Sexual Violence: Women face high rates of sexual assault, including rape and domestic sexual violence. The stigma associated with victims can lead to a culture of silence, where women are discouraged from speaking out or seeking justice.
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Witch Hunts: In some regions, accusations of witchcraft, often against women, can lead to severe punishment or violence, reflecting a moral justification for violence against those perceived as deviants from cultural norms.
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Discrimination: Women frequently encounter systemic discrimination in various spheres, undermining their moral agency and reinforcing subordinate roles within society.
Economic Gender-Based Violence
Economic gender-based violence refers to acts that restrict women's access to economic resources and opportunities, impacting their financial independence and security:
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Unequal Access to Resources: Women in PNG often have limited access to land, credit, and other resources necessary for economic empowerment. This restriction is often justified by cultural norms prioritizing male ownership and control.
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Employment Discrimination: Gender-based wage gaps and discriminatory hiring practices prevent women from obtaining equitable employment opportunities. Women may also face harassment in the workplace, further perpetuating economic vulnerability.
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Exploitation in Informal Sectors: Many women work in the informal economy, where they are more susceptible to exploitation and less protected by labor laws. This can include low wages, insufficient job security, and lack of benefits.
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Economic Dependency: The inability of women to achieve financial independence often makes them more susceptible to violence in relationships, as they may rely on economically abusive partners for survival.
Interrelation of Moral and Economic GBV
The moral and economic aspects of gender-based violence in PNG are intricately linked. For instance, the societal norms that uphold male dominance can lead to economic disenfranchisement for women, which in turn can contribute to increased vulnerability to various forms of violence. Addressing GBV requires a holistic approach that tackles both the moral and economic dimensions, including:
- Raising awareness and education about gender equality.
- Promoting women’s rights and access to resources.
- Strengthening legal protections against gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Supporting economic empowerment initiatives for women.
In summary, gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea is a multifaceted issue rooted in moral and economic dimensions, requiring comprehensive interventions to foster a safe and equitable environment for all genders.