Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant moral and economic issue in Papua New Guinea (PNG), rooted in deep-seated social norms, power imbalances, and economic disparities. Understanding GBV from a moral economic perspective involves recognizing how economic conditions, inequalities, and social norms influence and perpetuate violence against women and vulnerable groups.
Moral Economic Perspective
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Social Norms and Values: In PNG, traditional social norms often perpetuate the subordination of women and accept violence as a means of maintaining control. This cultural context creates a moral framework that allows for justification of GBV. Women are often seen primarily as dependents, which reinforces economic dependence and limits their ability to escape abusive situations.
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Economic Disparities: Economic inequalities exacerbate vulnerabilities to GBV. Women in PNG are often engaged in informal economic activities, with limited access to financial resources and economic decision-making processes. This economic marginalization prevents women from gaining independence and leaves them vulnerable to violence. Research has shown that economic disadvantage can prevent victims from leaving abusive relationships due to financial dependency (UN Women, 2020).
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Impact on National Development: GBV is not just a moral failing; it has significant economic implications for national development. The costs associated with GBV—healthcare, legal services, lost productivity, and the overall economic impact—can be substantial. Studies indicate that violence against women costs PNG approximately 5.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (UN Women, 2019). This substantial economic burden highlights the need for interventions that address both the moral and economic dimensions of GBV.
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Legal and Institutional Responses: The existing legal frameworks in PNG are often inadequate to protect women from violence. Although laws exist, enforcement can be inconsistent, and cultural attitudes toward gender roles can undermine legal protections. This creates a moral imperative for the state to strengthen legal protections and provide support for victims, ensuring that the economic costs of not addressing GBV are recognized and acted upon.
Conclusion
Addressing gender-based violence in PNG requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the moral and economic dimensions. By challenging cultural norms, addressing economic disparities, and strengthening institutional frameworks, PNG can work toward reducing GBV and its associated costs to individuals and society. Interventions should aim not only at immediate protection for victims but also at empowering women economically and socially to break the cycle of violence.
References
- UN Women. (2019). Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea: An Economic Cost Analysis. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2019/12/feature-png-gbv-economic-cost
- UN Women. (2020). Papua New Guinea: A Gender-Based Violence Case Study. https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2020/12/papua-new-guinea-gender-based-violence-case-study
This analysis underscores that GBV in PNG is a complex issue that intertwines moral beliefs and economic realities, necessitating coordinated efforts from various sectors of society to effect meaningful change.