BSP partners with Grass Skirt Project to address FSV and GBV

BSP Financial Group Ltd (BSP) remains committed as an advocate against family, sexual and gender based violence.

The home-grown bank has extended its partnership support to the Grass Skirt Project that will spark student’s enthusiasm in identifying red-flags and cultivating environmental awareness on family, sexual and gender based violence in their communities.

BSP, in partnership with the Grass Skirt Project, launched the ‘Grass Skirt Project: 10 Million Strong Leadership Program’ at Badihagwa Secondary School in Port Moresby.

The 10 Million Strong Leadership Program nurtures open communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, while reinforcing good behaviour and providing opportunities for youth development. Together, these programs aim to combat gender-based violence, promote gender equity, address health issues, and build resilient and inclusive communities.

The program has been approved by the NCD school board and is being piloted at the Badihawga Secondary School.  BSP will support the project for the next three years.

“This program aims to work with students and survivors in communities to breakdown vicious behaviour and attitude towards women through awareness on gender equity and gender based violence programs,” Priscilla Paissat, Head of Procurement with BSP’s Finance and Planning Strategic Business Unit and BSP PNG Family Sexual Violence Action Committee Member, said.

“At BSP, we understand that family and gender based violence is the most prevalent form of gender inequality that affects households and communities that spans across workplace. Since launching our biggest social justice campaign against family sexual violence and gender based violence in July 2020, BSP continues to observe #BlackThursdays,” Priscilla said.

BSP is a partner of the PNG Bel isi program and has a number of initiatives in place at the workplace including the BSP Group Family Sexual Violence (FSV) policy that sets out the company's commitment to preventing and responding to GBV/FSV.

“As an advocate against family, sexual and gender based violence, BSP also provides training and staff access to referral pathway to support services, such as counselling, legal assistance, financial assistance and support safe houses,” She added.

Grass Skirt Project Operations Manager David Wesley said to partner with organisations like BSP is important in getting the message out about the Grass Skirt Project’s 10 Million Strong Leadership Program.

“Through this pilot project, we’ve had selected students from Badihagwa Secondary Scholl undergo training,” Mr Wesley said. “We have 11 more weeks to train our evolving leaders who will influence positive change in their respective communities. We are proud to have BSP as our partner,” Wesley added.

Grass Skirt Project Operations Manager David Wesley.