It was the first time an awareness program on sorcery accusations and domestic violence was brought to Mushu Island in the East Sepik province last week.

PNG Tribal Foundation conducted its screening program, Senisim Pasin, a community outreach initiative through documentary screening, last Friday in Sup Village. The event saw more than 60 villagers, both young and old turn up in large numbers.

Many described the program as eye-opening and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin and his team screened the documentary Senisim Pasin, which focuses on shifting cultural mindsets and encouraging greater value and appreciation for women and gender equality.

The screening sparked meaningful discussions during an open forum that followed, with many participants describing it as an eye-opener.

Esther Numbos from Sup Village, a mother of two children aged 14 and 18, raised concerns about the increase in drug abuse and law-and-order issues in the village. She said many parents have failed to prioritize education for their children.

“The film shows that we stop our daughters from furthering their education because we believe they belong at home looking after families,” Esther said.

Rodney Maiet said it is now up to the youths to take responsibility to shift their mindset and start making the right decisions, rather than resorting to violence whenever rumours arise.

Sup Village Chief Vincent Kamboge thanked PNG Tribal Foundation for bringing the program to the community, saying such opportunities have been needed for a very long time.

A Wewak CID officer who attended the screening said documentary awareness programs are new to many communities but are very important in helping locals change their mindset. He added that such programs are also valuable for police awareness.

He also thanked the Foundation for raising awareness about the Glassman Act 2022, noting that many people were unaware that such a law exists to hold perpetrators accountable.