Timely discussions set foundation for CIMC FSVAC activities for 2026

Chair and Founder of the PNG Human Rights Inc. Ms Freda Kanek Talao speaking during the recent FSVAC Meeting

The Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee of the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council brought together advocacy champions in the Civil Society Organizations, Government, Private Sector and Faith Based Organization spaces for its inaugural sectoral committee meeting for the year.

Held at the Institute of National Affairs Conference Room on Friday January 23, 2026, the event provided a platform for discussion centred around what can be done to address and alleviate violence in all forms in the society and the mediums that can be used to raise awareness on the different services that are available to the public.

CIMC Executive Officer Mrs Wallis Yakam in her opening remarks highlighted four key points in her welcome remarks.

Formal Appointments: Mrs Yakam formally welcomed and introduced Mrs Ruth Kissam Tindiwi as the new Chair for the FSVAC Sectoral Committee who was nominated and accepted this leadership mantle on November 13th, 2024.

Strategic Funding & Partnerships: There was a significant boost to the operational capacity of the FSVAC Sectoral Committee with a grant of K150,000 in Gender Based Violence funding support through the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR) and the National GBV Secretariat (NGBVS). This grant, approved in late 2025, is dedicated to the revision, printing, and distribution of essential IEC awareness materials. I am pleased to report that the first tranche of K90,000 is already secured in the account. This funding allows the CIMC FSVAC Committee to respond to the high volume of requests from Civil Society Organizations and Non – Government Organizations for updated materials that reflect our current Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council

The Path to "Reset@50" and the 20-Year Roadmap: Looking at the broader horizon, 2026 marks a definitive shift in our approach. The CIMC is no longer just maintaining momentum; we are aligning our activities with the National ‘Reset@50’ 20-Year Roadmap. As a core member of the National Steering Committee, CIMC is tasked with specific responsibilities under this roadmap. As the Prime Minister has noted, this is not about 'reinventing the wheel.'  Rather, it is a refined strategy that captures fifty years of struggle and achievement to identify and bridge development gaps. Our work here in this room is directly tied to the MTDP 4 and the national directive principles that will shape Papua New Guinea for the next two decades.

Reflections on our Transition & Evolution: Mrs Yakam recalled the challenges faced following the shift of the FSV Secretariat role to the DfCDR in 2022. While that transition necessitated a temporary pause in operations during 2022 and 2023, CIMC views that shift as a success story. It represents the government finally taking ownership of the issues that CSOs and NGOs have advocated for over decades. She added that 2025 was used as a year of internal reflection and strategic planning. The Annual Activity Plan for 2026 was updated to ensure that the FSVAC does not duplicate work, but rather complements the national multi-sectoral approach. The focus is now sharpened on Advocacy and Communications, returning to our roots established in 2000 as a premier platform for civil society and government consultation.

Following the Executive Officer’s welcome remarks, chairperson of the FSVAC Sectoral Committee Mrs Ruth Kissam Tindiwi welcomed new members of the committee before opening the floor for discussion of alignment and a clear pathway to set the pace for the next FSVAC formal Committee Meeting.

Chair and Founder of the PNG Human Rights Inc. Ms Freda Kanek Talao, under whose leadership the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee was established gave a reflection on what inspired her to form that committee.

“Post independence, there was a lot of negative news about violence in all forms affecting the womenfolk of the country. This was very worrying and after much discussion with other women and men in the advocacy space, the idea to establish what is now the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee came about. Then came the challenge of giving a name to the committee, we wanted to put something that was like an umbrella that would cover any form of violence affecting the citizens, thus, the name. We had to include the word ‘Action’ so we become active participants in advocacy and not just bystanders”

Ms Talao gave acknowledged all those who were instrumental in the formation of the FSVAC committee and thanked all those present for the role their respective organizations play in the advocacy space.

“I was so happy when I heard that the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee was transferred under the National Gender Based Violence Secretariat of the Department for Community Development. It shows that our government recognizes and acknowledges this issue and has taken over the responsibility from CIMC to roll out this program”.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Lawyer and Environmental Lawyer Ms Mary Boni commented during the discussions that family and sexual violence is a big issue in the society and one organization or group alone cannot alleviate this issue in the society, therefore, it is important for a collaborative effort from all partners.

Seasoned human rights advocate and PNG Counsellor’s Association Pesident Mrs Susan Setae expressed concerns over the majority of the population being silent on family and sexual violence issues happening in the communities.

“We read and hear about these issues almost everyday and nothing much is done about it. We forget that we have to power to change the situation. We must stand up for what’s right and to advocate against these issues, even if it feels like there is no one standing behind us to support us in our cause. Some of us have been in this space for a very long time and there is no such thing as ‘resignation’ in the advocacy because we are driven by passion to stand up for what’s right, we carry the voice of the civil society”.

To conclude the discussions, Papua Hahine representative Ms Rosemary Arua called on young people to take responsibility for the society in which they live in and start being active in the advocacy space.

“Most people in the advocacy space are elderly and they are still active because they see that there is a big need in this space. We need more young people to follow in the footsteps of our pioneer human rights advocacy champions”.

Caretaker of the FSVAC Sectoral Committee and Senior Communications Officer Ms Alison Anis in her closing remarks expressed optimistic sentiments for the planned activities for the year, especially the review and dissemination of the IEC materials. She also thanked all stakeholders for their contributions in the discussions.

Mrs Tindiwi brought the discussion to a closure by acknowledging the attendance and participation of all members to the discussions. She said that the discussions were timely to have all stakeholders on the same page and set the foundation for the first FSVAC meeting proper that will happen soon.

The meeting ended with a call for integrated actions  and to maintain a spirit of solidarity toward ending FSV, GBV or SARV.

Ends//