Jiwaka Provincial Member Simon Kaiwi has issued a public apology in Parliament to the women of Papua New Guinea for the actions of his grandson, Bhosip Kaiwi, who was convicted for the 2020 murder of Jenelyn Kennedy. This sincere apology was made during the National Debate on Gender-Based Violence held on Wednesday.
Expressing his deep regret, Kaiwi highlighted the tragedy of raising the two children of Jenelyn Kennedy, whom he is now responsible for, noting that they will grow up without their mother. “The saddest part of raising these children is that they will grow up without ever knowing their mother,” he stated. In an emotional moment, he apologized not only to the women of PNG but specifically to mothers, aunties, and sisters, for his grandson’s actions, which have cast a shadow over their lives.
Furthermore, Kaiwi urged Parliament to enact stronger laws to protect women and girls, emphasizing the need for serious legislative reforms in light of the ongoing issues around gender-based violence in the nation. His call to action arrives as legislators are increasingly addressing this pressing concern, echoing the sentiments previously expressed by other political leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, who has also apologized to women for the violence inflicted by men in society.
During the same parliamentary session, Member for Madang Bryan Kramer criticized the lack of decisive action by the government regarding gender-based violence, stressing that mere speeches without a clear action plan are insufficient. He challenged his colleagues to reflect on what accountability looks like in addressing these issues, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in confronting the problem.
This moment in Parliament highlights a growing recognition among political leaders of the urgent need to reconcile past grievances and implement effective solutions to combat gender-based violence, nurturing a culture of accountability and respect for women in Papua New Guinea. The acknowledgment of such issues by high-ranking officials is a hopeful sign that progress may be on the horizon, fostering a safer environment for future generations.
In summary, Simon Kaiwi’s heartfelt apology marks a significant moment for women’s rights advocacy in Papua New Guinea, encouraging necessary discussions about change and accountability in addressing gender-based violence.
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