FIVE men, eight days and one quest to raise $50,000 – this group of mates is preparing to trek 96 gruelling kilometres through the Papua New Guinea jungle to raise funds and awareness to stop domestic violence.

Inspired by their close friend Arman Abrahimzadeh, whose mother Zahra was killed by her estranged husband, they will embark on Zahra’s Quest in September.

Ross Wait, Kaizaad Mehta, Jim Farnan, Michael Newell and Dean Pead aim to raise $50,000 for the Zahra Foundation, set up by her three children to help families escaping violent homes.

The money will enable up to 100 women to receive grants from the foundation’s Opportunity Knox program to study or gain employment.

“Zahra’s Quest on the Kokoda Track is 96km long across steep and muddy terrain, and in intense heat and humidity,” Mr Wait said.

“It will take the group eight days to complete in late September.

“This initiative is backing a cause close to our hearts. We want to encourage younger men to treat women with respect and join our movement to stop domestic violence.”

Mr Abrahimzadeh said the leadership shown by the five friends “to provide a united front against domestic violence sends a powerful message” that ending abuse of women is a shared responsibility.

“I can only hope more men can do the same and recognise the importance of treating women with respect,” he said.

In his role at the Port Adelaide Football Club, Mr Wait has also worked with a group of players on the Power to End Violence Against Women program.

Run by Centacare and part-funded by government, the program visits classrooms to shape the attitudes of teenage boys and ensure they treat the girls and women in their lives properly.

It encourages teenage boys to talk about having healthy relationships, respect, trust, gender equality and the dangers of abusive behaviour.

■For support, phone 1800 RESPECT or Zahra Foundation Australia on 8352 1889. To donate, visit www.givenow.com .au/crowdraiser/public/ZahrasQuest