Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 15 October 2024 - The Grass Skirt Project (GSP) has today announced it secured a significant grant from the Australian-based Phillips Foundation to expand its community development initiatives. This funding will enable the construction of a new Gymbox facility at a school in the National Capital District (NCD), integrating with GSP's successful pilot of the 10 Million Strong (10MS) Leadership Program.

The 10MS Leadership Program is an innovative bystander violence prevention program run in schools focused on changing attitudes towards leadership, gender, and health and well-being choices. The program provides the students access to the tools to intervene safely and meaningfully in situations of gender-based violence and ultimately create behavioural change for everyone within their circle of influence. 

Grass Skirt Project’s Gymbox program complements the 10MS Leadership Program by providing physical spaces for training, sports activities, community engagement and health education in purpose-built shipping containers. The expansion of the program builds on the success of the Gymbox pilot in Hanuabada, which has engaged over 2,000 participants in health education and sports activities.

Gender-based violence rates in PNG are the highest in the world, outside of war-torn countries. PNG is ranked 160 out of 161 on the UN Gender Equality Index with 100% of women experiencing violence in their lifetime from a close relative or partner. Beyond being exposed to violence from a young age, health issues also put PNG youth at risk. According to data collected by Grass Skirt Project in their 10MS pilot program, 40% of female and 50% of male youth participants were underweight and malnourished. 

By combining sports, education, community integration, and a focus on health and well-being, GSP programs address the multifaceted challenges faced by PNG’s youth and aim to create a lasting impact. 

“The combined Gymbox and 10MS program, supported by the Phillips Foundation, will offer a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment and gender equality. Through this integrated initiative, we are aiming to reach over 1,000 community members, enabling us to significantly expand our impact and put us one step closer to our goal of eradicating gender-based violence through sports,” says Tahina Booth, Managing Director of GSP."

The Phillips Foundation partners with organisations aligned with our funding strategies: Access to education &  achieving personal potential. With its emphasis on physical fitness and community engagement in addressing gender-based violence, Grass Skirt Project’s work resonates strongly with these priorities.

“We are delighted our investment provides a springboard for future growth and impact. As the Gymbox project moves forward with this new funding, it stands poised to make a significant difference in the lives of young people in PNG, promoting health, wellness, and community engagement in innovative ways.”

For more information about GSP's programs and how to get involved, visit www.grassskirtproject.org.

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About Grass Skirt Project

Founded in 2017, Grass Skirt Project (GSP) pioneers social change in Papua New Guinea by harnessing the unifying power of sports to address gender-based violence and promote equality. Established with the vision that every individual deserves to thrive, GSP aims to empower 1 million leaders by 2050 through its interventions, including Gymbox, the 10 Million Strong Leadership Program and the Hevea Cup & Wellness Expo. Through these programs, GSP aims to achieve tangible outcomes, such as heightened gender justice awareness, improved health and wellbeing, and reduced gender-based violence. www.grassskirtproject.org 

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Contact:

Tahina Booth

Managing Director, Grass Skirt Project

tahina@grassskirtproject.org