Women in Enga Trained by Caritas

By ANGELA VAVAR

ENGA: WOMEN in Enga are being encouraged to become active advocates for conflicting
and social issues in their communities.
By that Caritas PNG selected 20 women selected from Sari, Kompiam and surrounding areas were given in depth training of valuable knowledge and skills on how to campaign against issues such as human rights, leadership and management, decision making processes, conflict management and how to approach social issues as such crime, sorcery and Sexual related violence which is rampant in the province. The Training Program which was the 43 rd Advocacy training programme ran in March was particularly designed to empower women on gender, social inclusion, advocating on the current issues of violence and how to get the required help needed in times of distress. This was an initiative under joint effort by Caritas Enga and Wapan Flame of love, a charity organization in Enga.  Caritas officer Jonathan Sope Anro said “this is the 43rd Advocacy Training Program conducted, which is a collaborative effort between Caritas Enga and theWapan Flame of Love Charity Association, to empower to women in Sari and Kompiam in Wabag.
“This programme is aimed to equip women with the knowledge and skills to
become active advocates for their rights and communities,” he said.
The participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and practical exercises focused on topics such as leadership, human rights, gender equality, and advocacy strategies. The program further emphasized the importance of women’s voices in
decision-making processes, particularly concerning issues affecting their lives.  The Caritas Enga’s expertise in community development and advocacy, combined with the Wapan Flame of Love Charity Association’s dedication to empowering
women, created a powerful learning environment. The training highlighted the need for women to participate in local governance, access education and healthcare, and address gender-based violence. 
 
Participants left the program empowered and equipped with the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves and their communities. The training served as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a sense of agency and collective action
among the women. “The rise of tribal fights in Enga Province has profoundly affected the community, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and a breakdown of social cohesion. “These conflicts often stem from longstanding grievances,competition for resources, and power dynamics between tribal groups. In our communities, the impact is felt through disrupted education, fear among families, and strained local governance.

“To address this escalating issue, it is crucial to foster dialogue and reconciliation among tribes and get people involved and especially women who are deeply affected. Caritas plans to initiate community forums that bring together leaders from conflicting tribes to discuss their differences and seek common ground.

“Additionally, involving local youth in peace-building programs can promote understanding and collaboration. Engaging local law enforcement to ensure safety during these discussions is vital,” he said.
He said family and community involvement in traditional conflict resolution methods can also aid in healing and restoring trust.
  Caritas Enga, a branch of Caritas Papua New Guinea, is focused on addressing social issues in Enga Province, particularly tribal fights, sorcery accusation-related violence, and gender-based violence, through advocacy, awareness workshops, and
community mobilization. 
 Caritas promotes integral human development to that people in the worst off and
most disadvantaged communities are free to flourish and live in peace and dignity.