Outcome PNG_D_3.3

SN Outcome 2.3: Government departments have capacity to design and deliver safe and universally accessible public spaces (aligned to SP Output 12)

Safety in public spaces remains a challenge in Papua New Guinea. Previous efforts to build a safe city by focusing on market infrastructure have come under scrutiny as women continue to be victims of petty crime, sexual assault on the roads and in public transport. While UN Women has worked with the National Capital District Commission and Lae City Authority through the Safe Cities programme, more partnerships are needed with private sector and communities if the gaol of accessible and public safe spaces is to be attained. Investments in the Meri Seif bus (Women only bus) have not been sustained by government nor taken up by private sector despite the concept having been acknowledged by women as a much safer way of transport. In Lae, UN Women has partnered with Business Coalition for Women to bring together private companies in the security sector to develop local solutions in crime hot spots.

SN Outcome 2.3: Government departments have capacity to design and deliver safe and universally accessible public spaces (aligned to SP Output 12)

UN Women noted improved capacity at provincial and district levels in designing gender sensitive public policies on the management of markets. This was achieved through working with 9 provincial/district governments (National Capital District, Lae City, Mt Hagen, Goroka, Hela, Daru, Wewak, Vanimo, Alotau) to ensure safe market places including areas around the market such as bus stops. While progress varies across the different locations, during the consultations for the revision of the Informal Economy Policy, provincial government teams demonstrated awareness on the role of different departments in providing accessible and quality public services. For example, in Morobe, the Lae City Authority was working with provate sector to put cameras in public places as a way of curbing violence against women and girls. The Informal Economy Policy revision shows government commitment in the design and delivery of safe and accessible public spaces.