Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on all men across Papua New Guinea to respect, protect, and support women and girls in their homes and communities, saying the future of the nation depends on how society treats its mothers, daughters, and sisters.

Prime Minister Marape made the remarks today at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby after participating in the International Women’s Day Walk from Ela Beach to the stadium alongside Mrs Rachael Marape and hundreds of participants.

The walk formed part of Papua New Guinea’s national observance of International Women’s Day 2026, organised by the National Capital District Commission in partnership with civil society groups and development partners including UN Women, JICA, the PNG–Australia Partnership, and other stakeholders working to advance gender equality and the protection of women and girls.

This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action for All Women and Girls,” highlighted the need for stronger action to protect women’s rights, promote justice, and address gender-based violence across communities.

Participants in the walk included government leaders, community organisations, churches, youth groups, and members of the public, many wearing purple and white — colours associated globally with the International Women’s Day movement.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the mothers and women of Papua New Guinea, particularly as the country journeys through its 50th year as an independent nation.

“As we move through our 50th year as a country, let me say thank you to all mothers of our nation for your contributions to our families, our communities, and our country,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Our country would not be where it is today without the quiet strength, sacrifices, and support of women.”

Prime Minister Marape reflected on Papua New Guinea’s independence history, noting that women played an important but often overlooked role in the nation’s journey to independence.

He cited the historical gatherings of the “Bully Beef Club” — the group of founding leaders who met and discussed the country’s path to independence — and the crucial role played by women who supported those leaders. “Those leaders who fought for our independence often gathered in the home of Lady Elizabeth

Kiki. Without the support of women like Lady Elizabeth Kiki and many other mothers of our country, those conversations that shaped our independence may never have happened,” he said.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contributions of women leaders and mothers across generations who have continued to support the development of the nation.

He said the rights of women and girls must be protected not only through laws and institutions, but through the attitudes and behaviour of men in their homes and communities.

“We do not always need a courthouse to tell us that women deserve respect,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“It begins in our homes, in our villages, in our neighborhoods, and in our families. Every man must take responsibility to respect the mother, the daughter, the sister, and the wife in his life.”

Prime Minister Marape urged men across the country to see themselves as the first line of protection for women and girls.

“If every son of this country respects the daughter in his midst, the sister in his midst, and the mother in his midst, then we are protecting our country,” he said.

“When women are safe, respected, and supported, our families are stronger, our communities are stronger, and our nation becomes stronger.”

He said the responsibility to build a respectful and safe society begins within the family unit.

“Every home is a parliament of this country. Every father and husband must lead in making sure women and girls are safe and respected,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the work of organisations, churches, civil society groups, and international partners supporting women’s rights globally and in Papua New Guinea.

Reflecting on the past 50 years since independence, he expressed regret for the hardships many women have faced and called for a national commitment to change.

“If we have failed our women in the last 50 years, I say sorry,” he said.

“But as we move forward, let us begin again from our homes and families by respecting the women around us.”

Prime Minister Marape said International Women’s Day must be more than a single event on the calendar.

“Respect for women must not be something we talk about once a year. It must become a way of life for all of us,” he said.

“To all mothers of our country — thank you. You are the heart of our families and the foundation of our nation.”