We have been struggling for a long time, but now we see changes at the policy level that give hope for women and girls across the Highlands
Mary Kini is the Director of the Highlands Women Human Rights Defenders Movement (HWHRDM), based in Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea. HWHRDM operates as an umbrella organisation, supporting partners across the seven Highland provinces, including KUSWA in Goroka, Kup Women for Peace in Simbu, and Voice for Change in Jiwaka, among others. The organisation focuses on advocacy, influencing policy, and promoting human and gender rights, particularly around violence against women and girls.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
HWHRDM engages with government at the district, provincial, and national levels to ensure that women’s voices are heard. Through campaigns such as the Inap Nau! national campaign against violence, the organisation presents evidence-based data to policymakers, fostering real discussions that lead to policy changes and better protections for women and girls.
Partnerships in Action
HWHRDM works closely with its partners, facilitating awareness campaigns, training sessions, and events such as the 16 Days of Activism. Partners refer complex cases to HWHRDM, which supports them by providing referral pathways and advocacy assistance. While the organisation does not manage cases directly, its guidance strengthens the capacity of local partners to protect and support women and girls.
Partnerships in Action
HWHRDM works closely with its partners, facilitating awareness campaigns, training sessions, and events such as the 16 Days of Activism. Partners refer complex cases to HWHRDM, which supports them by providing referral pathways and advocacy assistance. While the organisation does not manage cases directly, its guidance strengthens the capacity of local partners to protect and support women and girls.
The Value of Long-Term Partnerships
Mary highlights the importance of sustained support from development partners. She notes that Oxfam’s long-term partnership has been crucial in establishing and maintaining the regional desk, contrasting it with shorter-term donor projects.
Compared to other donors who come for a year or six months, Oxfam has been with us all the way to set up this desk. Long-term partnerships are very important.— Mary Kini, Director, Highlands Women Human Rights Defenders Movement
Achievements and Impact
Over the past 20 years, HWHRDM has contributed to reducing violence against women and girls and promoting human rights in the Highlands. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and policy engagement, the organisation has achieved milestones in influencing government decisions and supporting partner organisations to better serve women and girls in vulnerable situations.
Achievements and Impact
Over the past 20 years, HWHRDM has contributed to reducing violence against women and girls and promoting human rights in the Highlands. Through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and policy engagement, the organisation has achieved milestones in influencing government decisions and supporting partner organisations to better serve women and girls in vulnerable situations.
Acknowledgment:
Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
