International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025) is a powerful moment to unite with voices worldwide, declaring: “Women’s rights are human rights!” We celebrate the rich diversity of women, honouring their varied experiences across faith, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. We acknowledge the legacy of those who paved the way, celebrate those present, and inspire future generations.
This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” urges us to build a feminist future where no one is left behind.
Today, FemiliPNG Australia especially honour the women leaders of Papua New Guinea, and highlight Femili PNG’s Goroka Project Manager, Elly Toimbo.
Spotlight: Elly Toimbo, Femili PNG Project Manager, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
Elly started working for Femili PNG as a caseworker in 2015 and became the Project Manager at the Femili PNG operated Goroka outpost in early 2024. The Goroka Outpost provides case management services to survivors of family and sexual violence (FSV) and (SARV) in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. At Femili PNG “we assist women and girls who are survivors of gender based violence (GBV) and SARV to access available services. Working in the space of GBV, not all women and girls know their rights to live free from violence and to seek the services that they need.”
Elly leads a team of six including two caseworkers and an outreach officer. The team build awareness of FSV and SARV, and the services available to survivors and communities; advocate for survivors; and support the survivors in meeting their needs.
As more people are educated on their basic human rights, survivors are empowered to reach out to Femili PNG to access support services. The Goroka Outpost experienced a 44% increase in the number of clients they supported from 2023 to 2024. This number is expected to continue to rise as awareness raising activities continue. Elly works tirelessly to provide support to the caseworkers, while making future plans to help keep up with the increasing demand.
A collaborative effort with other service provider (e.g. police, hospital, Family and Child Welfare Services, other NGOs) is required to meet the needs of the survivor. Since Elly’s appointment, the Goroka Outpost has significantly strengthened the coordination with other service providers. According to Elly, “there are a lot of people all over PNG taking action to improve things on the ground. At Femili PNG, we don’t only see the problems, we sometimes are part of the solution. And that keeps us going.”
In February 2025, FemiliPNG Australia visited Elly and observed the Goroka Outpost in action. During this visit, Elly spoke to us about the work of the Goroka Outpost, the commitment of her team to the survivors, and explained the challenges that her and her team experience in their work.
Image: Elly talking with FemiliPNG Australia CEO Lauren Hallett at the Goroka Outpost.
FemiliPNG Australia is a ‘supporting’ organisation, which means we work in partnership with local organisations to prevent and respond to FSV in PNG. We support local solutions to local challenges. This recent visit to the Goroka Outpost provided an opportunity to work with Elly Toimbo and her team, focusing on strategies to improve the accessibility of critical FSV and SARV services.
The vital role of women’s leadership, as demonstrated by Elly’s commitment to survivors of FSV and SARV strengthens the pursuit of rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls. Their dedication sets a powerful example of women as agents of change, and we deeply thank them for their impactful work.
FemiliPNG Australia acknowledges the valuable contribution of the Australian Government’s Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) to the Goroka Outpost. FemiliPNG Australia has committed five years of ANCP funding to supporting the Outpost, 2023-2024 was the third year of the project.
We welcome your contribution to this important work. Please donate today! Every donation you make to this project will be combined with funding from the Australian Government to reach more people. We have committed to contribute $1 for every $5 we receive from the Australian government.
Mundango Abroad, a private ancillary fund, is a long-time supporter of Femili PNG and FemiliPNG Australia.
We thank them for their continued support!