Suchergebnisse

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of Australia's closest neighbours and is a country that most Australian citizens are ignorant of the ingrained social problems that affect women throughout the country. Due to low social indicators PNG receives aid and assistance from a number of Non-Government Organisation$ (NGOs) such as a number of United Nations agencies and CARE Australia and international governmental agencies, such as from Australia and New Zealand. This brings to mind images of development or an improvement in the situation in PNG as they are working with a number of organisations to bring about gender equality and sustainable development. The mirage that the knowledge of assistance creates is one that is shattered instantly when the statistics of the Human Development Index are examined. PNG is still experiencing high levels of gender inequality throughout the nation. Health care, education, employment and political representation are all affected by lack of development, growing levels of poverty, and an ingrained system of patriarchy and male dominance. Gender base d violence is a common occurrence for women throughout PNG, most believing that it is just a fact of life; its part and parcel with marriage and is experienced by all women in society. The situation in PNG is one that is in need of change. Due to the interconnectedness of issues affecting women it is very difficult to address any one problem. If health care is focused upon people lack the education to alleviate superstition and practices such as sorcery-related killings can occur. If education is focused upon solely there will be less focus on the accountability of the police force and corruption will continue, as will lack of access to justice. HIV I AIDS can be found in epidemic proportion s, increasing superstitious ideas that women carry the virus, and decreasing the health status of the nation. Corruption in the government and male dominance throughout society compounded with high illiteracy rates in women is ensuring that PNG continues to be a patriarchal society that experiences high rates of gender inequality and violence against women. The multifaceted nature of gender inequality is explored showing just how difficult it is to address the problems that PNG faces without the assistance of a range of organisations so that all areas can have the attention that they deserve. To enable NGOs on a community to make a difference, there must also be change at a provincial level, and on a national level. The implementation of initiatives that are in accordance with International Conventions is needed so that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) can be reached as PNG is currently falling further behind in reaching its targets. The government of PNG needs to work with NGOs and other international governments to try and overcome the gender inequalities that are now stopping the country from developing and from rising out of poverty.