Examples of Gender inequality Papua New Guinea includes poverty, violence, limited access to education and health care, and witch hunts.
The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has introduced legislation to combat these issues, though with limited success.
These include polygamy, bride price, and the stereotypical roles assigned to both men and women.
These cultural practices reflect deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes which reinforce the unequal status of women in many areas.
This is due in part to gender-based violence being socially legitimized and the accompanying culture of silence.
[5] Amnesty International highlights the issue of gendered violence in the Papua New Guinea 2016-2017 human rights report.
[6] This report also highlights key cultural practices which are seen as continually undermining the rights of women.
[9] It is estimated that just over 50% of women give birth with the aid of a health facility or skilled attendant.
[10] These illegal abortions often pose significant risks to the health and lives of women.
[10] There is a lack of data on the effect of illegal abortions on the rate of maternal deaths in PNG.
[11] Cultural practices and traditional attitudes often act as a barrier for women and girls trying to access education.
There is a high level of harassment and sexual abuse experienced by girls in education facilities.
These assaults combined with expulsion due to pregnancy, have led to a lower completion rate of girls compared to boys.
The aim of this policy was to address the gender gap which occur at all levels of education.
[13]: 9 The CEDAW Committee highlighted education as being fundamental for the advancement of girls and women.
Restricted access to education was identified as a barrier to the full enjoyment of girl's and women's human rights.
[13]: 13 The PNG government announced on 22 August 2016 that an amendment will be introduced to change the country's marriage and divorce laws.
[15] These amendments will introduce a fine of between K10,000[US$3200] to K20,000 [US$6400] for offenders who force minors to marry before the age of 17 years.
[16] Witch killings tend to be carried out by groups of men and often the whole community is involved.
[18] The CEDAW Committee highlighted the increasing reports of the torture and killing of women and girls accused of witchcraft.
UNDP has three key areas: 1) Supporting women so that they can participate and represent in decision making, both at national and sub-national levels; 2) Giving support to initiatives which address Gender based violence; 3)To promote women's economic empowerment.
This was further developed to include grading according to the seriousness of harm, and the manner of sexual violation.
[22] Since the introduction of this Bill there has been no further action taken by the PNG government, and the rates of violence remain unchanged.
The Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2014 criminalised sorcery-related killings and violence.