Zonta International works to provide services to survivors in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Timor-Leste. Why there?
The magnitude of gender based violence in PNG is considered to be of epidemic proportions. In a recent study, 68% of women reported having experienced some form of physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
A 2012 study of male perpetration of violence conducted in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, PNG, found that 87.6% of men admitted to physical,
emotional and/or economic abuse against their intimate partner.
Gender based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights concerns in TimorLeste, with almost two out of every three women (15-49 years) reporting having experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
In Timor-Leste, tolerance for gender based violence is high with more
than three of four women and men believing a man is justified in physically
beating his wife.
Zonta has partnered with the UNFPA to strengthen the health sector in PNG and TImor-Leste so that women and girls, who have experienced violence, can access quality essential services for long-term recovery.
Zonta says NO to violence against women.
