The Business Coalition for Women (BCFW) has positioned Papua New Guinea’s private sector at the centre of regional discussions on workplace safety and gender equality, following the presentation of its Poroman Walkabout Wantaim (Men as Allies) programme at the Australasian Aid Conference in Canberra.
The programme was featured during a panel discussion at the December 2025 conference, where BCFW shared early insights from an innovative approach to addressing harassment and bullying in Papua New Guinea workplaces. The annual conference brings together academics, policymakers and development practitioners to help shape the future of international development across the region.
Poroman Walkabout Wantaim is a social norms change initiative designed to address the root causes of workplace harassment and bullying by actively engaging men as allies. Piloted in 2023, the programme is the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea’s private sector, offering allyship training and mentoring designed by and for men.
The initiative focuses on creating safer, more respectful workplaces by challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes that undermine employee wellbeing and productivity. By embedding gender equality and violence prevention into workplace culture, the programme aligns social impact with business performance and long-term organisational sustainability.
During the panel discussion, BCFW Executive Director Evonne Kennedy highlighted the programme’s early impact on workplace culture and business resilience.
“Our program is showing promising signs of transforming workplace culture by addressing harassment and bullying head-on. These changes not only protect employees but also strengthen businesses,” Ms Kennedy said.
She said sustainable change requires confronting deeply rooted social norms while respecting cultural values that promote dignity and respect.
“True progress towards gender equality in Papua New Guinea lies in courageously challenging harmful social norms while honouring and amplifying the protective and traditional practices that uphold dignity and respect between women and men,” she said.
BCFW is a private sector-led organisation committed to advancing women’s participation in leadership, decision-making and nation-building in Papua New Guinea. Through partnerships with member organisations, BCFW works to embed inclusive practices across workplaces and industries.
The organisation’s work is supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership’s PNG Women Lead initiative, which promotes gender equality and women’s leadership as drivers of inclusive economic growth.
By showcasing Poroman Walkabout Wantaim on an international platform, BCFW highlighted how Papua New Guinea businesses can help lead the creation of safer workplaces while contributing to broader national development goals, reinforcing the link between gender equality, workforce wellbeing and sustainable business success.
