NCFR Empowers Young Women Human Rights Defenders in North Bougainville

Chabai, Selau District | 24-28 August 2026

The Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation (NCFR) brought together young women human rights defenders from North Bougainville for a five-day Gender and Human Rights Training held from 24^th to 28^th August 2026 at Chabai, Selau District.

The initiative aimed to strengthen the knowledge, confidence and leadership of young women who are actively contributing to their communities and advocating for the rights and wellbeing of the women and girls. Participants explored key issues including gender equality, human rights gender-based violence, discrimination, leadership and advocacy. Discussions encouraged the young women to reflect on challenges affecting women and girls in their communities and consider practical ways to respond.

An important aspect of the sessions was to strengthen participants’ understanding of their role as human rights defenders. They were encouraged to used their voices to raise awareness, support women and girls facing right violations and advocate for safer, more inclusive and peaceful communities. During the sessions a participant mentioned “It important that we as young women break the cycle of violence that our mothers, grandmothers and the women before us experienced” The gathering also provided a space for participants to share experiences, learn from one another and build connections with other young women working for positive change.

NCFR recognises the important contribution of young women in promoting gender equality, human rights and peace building across Bougainville. Strengthening their leadership and advocacy skills through awareness can help create a new generation of confident women who are prepared to speak up for justice and rights of others. A young women commented “This training has inspired me and made me understand gender-based violence and also understanding the ten theological pillars of human rights.

The five-day training program concluded with participants encouraged to take their knowledge and experiences back to their communities and continue advocating for dignity, safety and rights of women and girls.