Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has paid heartfelt tribute to Mothers across Papua New Guinea on the occasion of Mother’s Day 2026, describing Mothers as the “anchor of the family” and calling on Men and Boys throughout the Nation to honour, protect, and care for Women and Girls with love, responsibility, and respect.
Speaking in his Mother’s Day message to the nation, Prime Minister Marape reflected on the Biblical responsibility of Men as leaders within the family and urged Fathers, Husbands, Sons, and Male leaders to rise to the challenge of building peaceful and loving homes across the country. Prime Minister Marape said Mother’s Day was not only a celebration of Mothers, but also a moment for reflection on the role families play in shaping a safe, prosperous, and God-fearing nation. “Mother’s Day reminds us to reflect on the important role Mothers play as the anchor of a family. If all Mothers of our country are happy, then the country is a happy place,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the sacrifices Women make every day for their families and communities, saying Mothers continue to labour not only during pregnancy and childbirth, but throughout their lives in raising children, caring for homes, supporting communities, and helping build the nation. “As a nation, we must never take our Mothers for granted. Mothers carry families through hardship, raise our children, preserve values, and hold communities together. They deserve our love, protection, appreciation, and support every day,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s identity as a Christian nation must be reflected in how families treat women and children. “We claim that we are a Christian country, and the Christian worldview teaches us that love must be the foundation of the family,” the Prime Minister said. Quoting from the Holy Bible, Prime Minister Marape referred to the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis, stressing the responsibility God placed upon Men to lead and care for their families. “God knew Eve had sinned, but He did not first go looking for Eve — He went looking for Adam. God asked Adam, ‘Where are you?’ This teaches us an important principle of leadership and responsibility in the home,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He said the Biblical message was clear that Men must take responsibility for the wellbeing, safety, and unity of their families. “To all Fathers, Husbands, Sons, and Men of our country — it is your duty to take care of your Mothers, Wives, Daughters, and Sisters. Leadership begins at home before it is seen in the community or the nation,” he said. Prime Minister Marape expressed concern over increasing cases of violence and abuse against Women and Girls in Papua New Guinea and called on communities to reject all forms of abuse and neglect. “I see too many abusive Husbands and too many abusive Sons. This must stop. Men and Boys of our country must rise to defend and protect our Mothers and Daughters,” he said.
The Prime Minister linked his Message to the words of the National Anthem, ‘O Arise All You Sons’, saying the Anthem itself calls on the Sons of Papua New Guinea to stand up for the protection and well-being of Women, Families, and Communities. “It is time for the Sons of our country to rise up in defence of our Mothers and Daughters — protecting them, caring for them, and ensuring they are safe and respected in every part of our country,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the Marape-Rosso Government’s continued commitment to supporting Women and Girls through policies and initiatives aimed at reducing Gender-Based Violence, increasing Women’s participation in education and economic opportunities, improving maternal health services, and strengthening law-and-order responses to domestic violence and abuse. The Prime Minister said the Government would continue working with Churches, Communities, Women’s Organisations, and Development Partners to create a safer and more supportive environment for Women and Girls throughout Papua New Guinea.
Drawing further from Scripture, Prime Minister Marape referenced Proverbs 31:28 which says: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” He also referred to Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.”
“These Scriptures remind us that honouring Women and Mothers is not optional — it is part of God’s design for strong families and healthy societies,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by extending warm Mother’s Day wishes to all Mothers across Papua New Guinea, including Mothers in villages, settlements, towns, Churches, workplaces, and institutions. “To every Mother in Papua New Guinea — thank you for your sacrifice, your prayers, your strength, and your love. On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Mother’s Day.”