The Grass Skirt Project's 10 Million Strong Leadership Program has made significant strides in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality among the youth of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The program, which aligns with the vision of empowering 1 million leaders by 2050, leverages sports, particularly rugby, to engage young people and deliver crucial lessons on gender equality and respectful relationships.

Key Findings and Impact

1. Engagement and Behavioural Change: The program has successfully engaged youth, showing significant positive changes in behaviour and attitudes towards GBV prevention. The pilot program involved 14 students who demonstrated measurable improvements, thanks to collaborations with global experts like Dr. Shannon Spriggs Murdoch and Joshua Jasper.

2. Addressing Societal Challenges: PNG faces severe challenges, including high rates of GBV and youth unemployment. The program addresses these by fostering leadership skills and self-esteem among young participants, empowering them to challenge harmful gender norms and societal attitudes.

3. Community Integration: The initiative integrates local leaders, schools, and health facilities to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability. This approach has facilitated acceptance within communities and reinforced the program's legitimacy.

4. Health and Well-being: The program also addresses critical health challenges, promoting overall well-being through regular health monitoring and education on preventive measures. This holistic approach aims to empower participants to make informed health choices.

Strategic Direction and Future Plans

The Grass Skirt Project plans to enhance the program by integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and conflict resolution strategies to further reduce juvenile crime and enhance community impact. The next phase will continue to combine sports, education, and community integration, aiming to create a more comprehensive and effective program.

Conclusion

The 10 Million Strong Leadership Program is a pioneering initiative that has demonstrated significant success in transforming societal attitudes towards GBV and promoting gender equality. By engaging youth through sports and education, the program is cultivating a generation of informed individuals who actively reject violence and embrace values of respect and equality. The program's strategic direction focuses on expanding its impact and ensuring long-term positive outcomes for the communities in PNG.

View full impact report here.

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