::: ABHEDA TATTVA :::

In Papua New Guinea, violence against women—often stemming from accusations of witchcraft—is an urgent, yet hidden, human rights crisis. Women, particularly those marginalized or vulnerable, are frequently scapegoated for misfortunes like illness or death, leading to brutal attacks, torture, and sometimes even murder. The plight of these women remains largely invisible to the world despite its prevalence, especially in rural areas where cultural beliefs in sorcery run deep. Roots of the Crisis: Witchcraft Accusations and Superstition In many parts of Papua New Guinea, accusations of sorcery serve as a way to explain unexpected tragedy or hardship, disproportionately affecting women. Widows, single mothers, and other vulnerable women are often targeted and subjected to severe torture—including beatings, burning, and even mutilation—as their communities demand “confessions.” These horrific acts leave women physically and emotionally scarred, reinforcing a culture of silence and fear. Con...

 Election season rolls around, and once again, we’re faced with the so-called “democratic choice” of selecting the next leaders of our country. But for many citizens, especially from the middle class, elections don’t feel like a meaningful choice at all. With so many political parties vying for power, there should ideally be a sense of hope or at least expectation. Yet, every time, the feeling that prevails is one of apathy. It’s a cycle of voting for the “best among the worst,” knowing deep down that, no matter who wins, the voices of the middle class will be buried under layers of hollow promises and neglected priorities. For years, political parties have operated on hidden, often divisive, agendas. Whether it’s wooing particular sectors, appealing to minorities, or focusing solely on Below Poverty Line (BPL) schemes, every party seems to tailor its rhetoric to a targeted voter base. And while each party competes to outdo the other in announcing schemes aimed at uplifting the BPL...