15 January 2010
AusAID, the Australian government’s overseas aid program, has released a regional assessment evaluating the effectiveness of current approaches to addressing violence against women in the areas of Melanesia and East Timor. In additional to an overall regional summary and evaluation, the report also contains country-specific reports and recommendations for five of Australia’s close partner countries: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and East Timor. Promising practices in the area are also highlighted.
The report identifies area practices which have significantly contributed to the low status of women in this region, including bride prices, economic dependence and prioritization of male interests in traditional cultures. Multisectoral solutions are also recommended including increasing women’s access to justice, increasing women’s access to support services, and preventing violence through awareness campaigns directed at changing community attitudes.
The report is available for download here.
Compiled from: AusAID Office of Development Effectiveness, "News: Violence against Women in Melanesia and East Timor" (2008); AusAID, “Violence Against Women in Melanesia and East Timor” (Full Report) (2008).