By SHIRLYN BELDEN

AN assembly of advocates took to the streets of Port Moresby last Friday to support the campaign on the eradication of violence against women in Papua New Guinea, The National reports.
Say no to violence...Staff from the Internal Revenue Commission were among those who took to the streets of Port Moresby last Friday to oppose all forms of violence against women and girls. The walk started at 7am from the Jack Pidik Park at 5-Mile to the Sir John Guise Stadium at Gordon.-Nationalpic by AURI EVA

Business houses, civil groups, government bodies, school children, church groups and individuals joined the world in a march to mark the International Day for the elimination of violence against women which fell on Nov 25.
The walk was not only to commemorate the day but to highlight the message of eliminating all forms of violence threatening the livelihood of women and girls and to draw support from men in fighting gender-based violence.
Among those who walked were the British High Commissioner Jackie Barson and her team, Australian High Commission representatives, United Nations officers and members of the diplomatic corp.
The procession started at 7am and was led by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary band from the Jack Pidik Park at 5-Mile in Port Moresby to the Sir John Guise Stadium in Waigani.
The Marianville Girls High school and the Women’s Ministries of the Seventh-Day Adventist church were the groups from the school and church sectors which joined the walk.
Minister for Community Development Andrew Mald urged public and private organisations, civil groups and the general public to be real partners in addressing gender-based violence.
“We gather here to show our commitment and support to eradicate all forms of violence against women and children,’’ he said.
“If we continue to adequately address this issue in a holistic approach, we can reach the majority and create an enabling environment for women and children.”