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Women Human Rights Defenders Desk: Protecting Rights and Strengthening Peace in Jiwaka

The Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) Desk at Voice for Change plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across Jiwaka Province. Supported by the Australian Government through DFAT and the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program, the desk continues its work under IWDA’s WEAVERs program. 

 

A Grassroots Network for Protection and Justice

Voice for Change coordinates a growing network of Women Human Rights Defenders—local women and men committed to ensuring that the rights of women and girls are upheld. 

Between 2021 and 2023, the WHRDs Desk achieved significant milestones, including:

  • Mediating and resolving tribal conflicts

  • Establishing urban market committees and bylaws

  • Creating community bylaws

  • Defending survivors of Sorcery Accusation–Related Violence (SARV)

  • Training gazetted Provincial Peace Officers

  • Rescuing, repatriating, and reintegrating survivors

  • Hosting the first Jiwaka Provincial SARV Forum

These achievements reflect the desk’s commitment to peace, justice, and community safety.

 

Program Focus and Purpose

The WHRDs Desk operates under VfC’s Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Program, supported by a dedicated Human Rights lawyer. Its core focus is to build a strong, community‑based network of defenders who can mediate conflicts, sustain peace, and protect the rights of women, girls, and community members. 

The desk also encourages rural communities to uphold peace and create safe environments for women and girls.

 

Focus Areas

The WHRDs Desk delivers training and support across key areas:

  • Peace building

  • GBV and human rights

  • Paralegal and legal advice

  • Legal representation

  • Collaboration with law enforcement on serious human rights violations

  • Repatriation and reintegration of GBV and SARV survivors

These services strengthen community capacity to respond to violence and uphold justice.

 

Roles of Women Human Rights Defenders

WHRDs serve as frontline protectors in their communities. Their roles include:

  • Implementing urban market and community bylaws to ensure safety

  • Reporting human rights violations to police and courts

  • Advocating for women’s rights

  • Supporting survivors of GBV and sorcery‑related violence

  • Speaking up for the rights of women and girls

 

Services Provided

The WHRDs Desk provides a wide range of essential services, including:

  • Support for survivors through the EVAW Response Team Safe House

  • Collaboration with referral pathway partners

  • Training and awareness on GBV, human rights, and peace building

  • Facilitation of the Jiwaka Women Rights Defenders Network

  • Advocacy for the Jiwaka Provincial GBV Strategy and Action Plan

  • Support to VfC’s Young Women’s Empowerment & Mentoring Program

  • Networking with women’s movements at local, national, and international levels

VfC is also part of the Highlands Women Human Rights Defenders Movement Network, extending support to survivors from outside Jiwaka.