November is a month of global activism to take action and prevent all forms of violence against women. Joining this global agenda, more than 1,000 people wearing red walked the streets of Port Moresby with support from Puma Energy as major sponsors for the annual Active City "Redvember Walk".
This officially launched the “United to End Violence Against Women (EVAW)” campaign led by the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae, and the Governor of the National Capital District (NCD), Hon. Powes Parkop.
In his address ahead of the walk, Governor-General Dadae underscored the importance of widespread participation in ending violence against women.
“This is a campaign that we all should be involved in, at all levels. I call on every citizen to join us in this vital effort,” he urged the people.
The walk, held on Sunday 10th November, was a highlight of the global 20 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.
Distinguished guests that attended included the EU Ambassador and Delegation, British High Commission, Australia High Commission, Delegation from US Embassy, UN RC, UN Women, World Bank, Solomon Islands High Commission, Solomon Islands Footbal team and PNG foothball team (PNG Kapuls).
Representing the corporate sector were Puma Energy Limited, Santos Foundation and Santos Limited, Commissioner of NCD Board and Citi Manger Mr Ravu Frank, DPM, ICT, RTA, PNG Trade Union Congress, Bel Isi Network, and members of the city watch teams.
The walk began at 6 AM at Sir John Guise Stadium and traversed several major roads, Ward Strip, Kennedy Road, and Goodwit Road, to the National Parliament House. It continued to the Independence Boulevard Drive, heading back to Waigani Drive, and concluded back at the stadium.
Governor Parkop, who has championed this cause in Port Moresby for the past five years, reflected on the urgency of the moment. He referenced the recent tragedy involving a young woman, the late Jessica Yori, whose death shocked the country.
“We cannot ignore these tragedies,” he said. “This is a call for all of us—government, businesses, NGOs, and citizens—to join together and make our city a safer place for women, children, and everyone.”
“This is not just about a walk. There are thousands of unheard voices out there who need our help. Let us not leave today as another Sunday walk. Let’s make a commitment to take action and support those who need it most. Together, we can make PNG a safe place to live, work, and build a better future,” the NCD governor said.
Corporate Support for the Fight Against GBV: Puma Energy
As one of the key corporate supporters of this year’s Redvember Walk, Puma Energy has made safety a cornerstone of its operations in the country.
Nancy Gah, Marketing Manager at Puma Energy, spoke passionately about the broader impact of GBV beyond the home and into the workplace. She reiterated its strong commitment to supporting the fight against GBV and spoke about the importance of collaboration, urging businesses, the government, NGOs, and individuals to join forces to tackle the issue.
“I believe that as a collective, we can achieve more. Most companies believe in this fight against GBV, and some even have their own programs. It’s time we all join hands and collaborate,” she said.
“At Puma Energy, our guiding principle is to ensure everyone goes home safely. But safety doesn’t start at work—it begins at home. If there’s violence in the household, or if people face violence on their way to work, it affects their ability to perform,” Gah explained.
“Together, we can make a difference. No woman, no child, should fear for their safety in their own home or on the streets. Enough is enough.”
Gah also highlighted the profound mental, emotional, and physical toll that violence takes on individuals. “Violence is a disease. But like many diseases, it can be cured. We must take the necessary steps to address this issue and stop the cycle of violence.”
Inaugural NCD Women’s Expo and Summit
The Redvember Walk also coincided with the opening of the inaugural NCD Women’s Expo and Summit, which ran from 9 to 13 November. The summit aims to empower women by providing a platform for dialogue on critical issues such as gender equality, women’s health, and economic participation.
It was an important opportunity for women in Port Moresby to come together, share their experiences, and take collective action to improve their lives and communities.
Governor Parkop, who chairs the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, welcomed the collaboration with businesses, the United Nations, and other partners to promote gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.
“This is not just a city issue—it’s a national issue,” Parkop emphasized. “We all have a role to play in ensuring that Papua New Guinea becomes a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive safely.”
As the walk concluded, participants were reminded that the fight against GBV does not end with a single event. Governor Parkop urged the community to continue advocating for change.
He said: “While today’s walk is an important step, it is only one part of a much larger effort to end violence against women. We must work together, year-round, to create safer communities.”
The United to End Violence Against Women campaign, which is part of the 16 Days of Activism movement, has been a powerful force for social change in the nation. With continued support from government leaders, businesses like Puma Energy, Santos Foundation and Santos Limited, civil society organizations, and individuals, there is hope that real change is possible.
