Poroman Walkabout Wantaim (Men as Allies) program, has been presented by The Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) at the Australasian Aid Conference in Canberra.
The social norms program designed to addresses the root causes of harassment and bullying was piloted in 2023 to engage men as allies for gender equality and violence prevention. The first of its kind allyship training and mentoring program, was designed by and for men to create safer, more respectful workplaces in PNG’s private sector.
During a panel discussion at the December 2025 Conference in Australia, Evonne Kennedy, Executive Director of BCFW, shared emerging insights on how to address harassment and bullying in workplaces in PNG.
“Our program is showing promising signs of transforming workplace culture by addressing harassment and bullying head-on. These changes not only protect employees but also strengthen businesses,” said Ms Kennedy.
“True progress towards gender equality in Papua New Guinea lies in courageously challenging harmful social norms while honouring and amplifying the protective and traditional practices that uphold dignity and respect between women and men,” she said.
BCFW is a private sector-led organisation committed to ensuring women have an equal voice in decision-making, leadership, and nation-building in PNG.
Its work is supported by member organisations and the PNG-Australia Partnership’s PNG Women Lead initiative, which champions gender equality and women’s leadership.
The Australasian Aid Conference is an annual event that brings together leading academics, policymakers, and development practitioners to share insights and shape the future of international development.
From left to right Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director, Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, ANU; Ayesha Lutschini, Team Leaders, PNG women Lead Program; Evonne Kennedy, Executive Director, PNG Business Coalition for Women..
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