The prominent grandfather of a murderer has apologised in Papua New Guinea's national parliament to women throughout the country.

Jiwaka provincial member Simon Kaiwi was full of regret on Thursday of his grandson's actions that stemmed from ongoing accusations of domestic violence against his former wife in 2020.

Bhosip Kaiwi killed Jenelyn Kennedy after their relationship ended in tragedy that began as a youthful romance and turned into outright mental and physical abuse.

He was later found guilty in June 2023 in Port Morseby's Waigani National Court.

The verdict came despite persistent denials from the defendant that he caused the death of Ms Kennedy, admitting later he did elbow and punch her.

The former provincial governor's heartfelt apology came in between a national debate in parliament on gender-based violence.

Mr Kaiwi expressed his deep regret, stating that despite the dark descension of his grandson, he remained grateful for the two children Ms Kennedy had left behind, whom he is currently raising.

"The saddest part of raising these children is that they will grow up without ever knowing their mother," Mr Kaiwi said.

Among the emotion which stunned the chamber, Mr Kaiwi launched into an extraordinary apology which stretched far further than to his immediate family.

"I apologise to the mothers, the aunties, the sisters, and the women of Papua New Guinea for the actions of my young grandson, who is now behind bars for his crime," he added.

Kaiwi also urged members that "we must pass stronger laws to protect women and girls," urging the parliament to take action.

The apology comes at a critical time as Papua New Guinea continues to address the issue of men abusing women, with lawmakers already discussing necessary legal reforms to safeguard women and children across the country.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, joined the emotional pleas on the floor of the parliament, expressing deep regret for the pain inflicted by the country's men and acknowledging the tragic loss of lives.

In his address, Marape's repeated the words in his address, "we are sorry" over again which resonated with a profound sense of remorse and a commitment to address the issues at hand.

"I just want to say to all our mothers, to all our women, and all out daughters of Papua New Guinea – we are sorry, we are sorry," Marape told the parliament.

"To the relatives of the deceased, to the daughters who have passed on, and to those who grieve today, I just want to say, we are sorry, and we seek your forgiveness.

"My sister aside, all women of our country, all sons of this country, it is about time we take leadership in our homes, respecting our wives; wherever you are, the first step is making a home.

"Respecting the home is the collective responsibility of every man; the sum of it is the respect of women in our country.

"The positive effect of passing on these traits to the next generation, to our children, our men, our sons, who will grow up knowing that our fathers' respect our mothers, so we too must respect our wives.

"Successive generations should develop the habit of respecting women as matriarchs."

Mr Marape's ongoing speech reminded patriots that in the 50th anniversary of the nation, it is the time "we stand in the face of big challenges" and overcome them.

He made a special plea of changing the attitudes of a warrior culture.

"I want to ask all of us to be men – let's prosecute every man who chooses to offend a woman," Mr Marape said.

"Our society will prosper if all of our sons and husbands respect our mothers, our daughters, our sons, our women, our mothers.

"In 2019, I made a fundamental statement when I became Prime Minister.

"The measure of the success of our generation of leadership will be measured when my daughter is able to walk safely to Boroko in 2029.

"Give respect to women in your home, in your family, in your neighbourhood.

"This simple thing you do together will create a safer society.

"Women are not our enemies — they're not your enemy — they are your mother, mother of your country, the helpmeet of men. For this country to prosper, all men must respect our womenfolk."

Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa also extended an apology to women, mothers and girls of Papua New Guinea, emphasising a collective responsibility to rectify these injustices while member for Madang, Bryan Kramer, took the commitment to another level.

Mr Kramer delivered a harsh critique of parliament's handling of gender-based violence issues, demanding a concrete action plan and criticising the lack of leadership and accountability that included that of Mr Marape.

"Why are we telling people to show leadership when we do not show leadership?" he said.

"Leadership starts here. We are here to give speeches that mean nothing."

Mr Kramer specifically addressed the issue of personal responsibility.

He warned without a clear strategy, the same discussions would reoccur.

"The government is in charge and not the opposition," he said.

"You are in charge, and you are responsible. Can we bring a plan to address the issue?"