Another significant event in Eastern Highlands Province drew hundreds of women for a ‘Speak out’ campaign on violence against women and children on May 14th, 2013. This same event was also observed by other women folks in other provinces in the country. These two days event was a lead up activity towards a nationwide Haus Cry which was spear headed by Women Arise.
In Goroka, Family Voice lead this event and this saw women groups from a number of districts in Goroka and local NGOs in and around the province attend this at the YC grounds. This initiative was organised by Eastern Highlands Family Voice in partnership with the Division for Community Development and the provincial women’s council.
Women from different villages and groups spoke up about burning issues that were affecting them in their communities. A lot of issues raised were on rape, domestic violence, access of pornography materials by students through mobile phones, adultery, and sorcery related cases.
A march planned for the 2-days activity did not go ahead as planned but will be held at a later date. Most provinces throughout the country staged their marches and handed their petitions to their provincial government offices.