Angela Apa, who heads an organization called Kup Women for Peace (KWP), spearheads a powerful movement for change in Papua New Guinea's Simbu Province. Photo: Scott Waide
Angela Apa, who heads an organization called Kup Women for Peace (KWP), spearheads a powerful movement for change in Papua New Guinea's Simbu Province.
For 25 years, this women-led organization has been a beacon of hope, working tirelessly to address conflict, violence, and injustice at the community level, often in the face of daunting challenges and a lack of official recognition.
Since its inception in 2000, KWP has rescued over 200 women survivors of sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) and tribal conflicts across Simbu Province. They have also repatriated hundreds more, both within Simbu and to other provinces, particularly those affected by SARV. The organization consistently provides support, receiving approximately 10 clients each week, offering counseling and crisis support.
"Out of the 10, five would usually be women, three, on average would be girls and two would be men," Angela said.
Violence affects everyone in the community. Angela points to a fact that many ignore. The primary victim of any form of violence usually seeks help with other members of her family.
"When a women comes, she comes with others. They're either her children or other family members. For most women, they are denied justice. Lawyers are expensive and the process of getting justice is difficult. We have to help them."
One of the most challenging aspects of KWP's work involves personally supporting victims of SARV. Because KWP lacks a safe house or support centre, the organization's staff and human rights defenders often accommodate survivors themselves. This exposes them to significant personal risk; Angela notes that if she supports someone accused of sorcery, she herself may be accused. Despite these dangers, they continue to provide this crucial, hands-on support.
In neighboring Jiwaka Province, another organization, Voice for Change, led by Lilly BeSoer, also does similar work. Voice for Change has been caring for victims of violence for more than a decade and the cost of taking care of families displaced by violence is high.
"The cost of food is high. We have to find money from somewhere to pay for a rice bag. Many of the women come to us because they have nowhere to go. We can't turn them away."
While exact national figures are difficult to obtain due to fragmented data and a high rate of unreported incidents, research indicates an alarming scale of the problem.
For instance, a study covering four hotspot provinces between January 2016 and June 2020 recorded 1,039 accusation incidents involving 1,553 accused persons, of which 298 (29 percent) led to violence, affecting 546 victims. Within this period, 65 individuals were killed, 86 suffered permanent injuries, and 141 endured other serious harm like burning or cutting.
Nationally, estimates suggest over 6,000 violent SARV incidents occurred between 2000 and June 2020, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths. This violence is not only claiming lives and causing severe injuries but also leads to inter-generational stigmatization, property destruction, and the displacement of entire communities, highlighting the grave and multifaceted impact of SARV on PNG society.
KWP's core mission is multifaceted, stemming from the unique needs of its community.
Initially, the organization took the initiative to combat gun violence, a prevalent issue in the highlands region, to protect women and girls. But their work has morphed into providing mediation and training to community members, including youth, church, and women leaders.
These training programs focus on behavioral change and educate participants on their human rights and the laws and Constitution of Papua New Guinea.
"We show them the way to go and get justice at the police station," Angela explains, emphasizing KWP's role in guiding survivors through legal processes.
A crucial aspect of KWP's work is providing crisis support to women who have experienced abuse. This includes assisting women from coastal areas who have married into the region and face violence, helping them return to their homes.
KWP also operates a strong rapid response system to address violence related to social accusations. Angela highlights their robust network with service providers like the police, particularly the Family and Sexual Violence Unit, and Family Support Centers. They also collaborate closely with Catholic and other missionary churches to deliver training and support.
"I made a promise that I will build peace until, you know, our organization or the end of the world," Angela said.
