The Journey of Women Entrepreneurs
RECOMMENDED: Read about the worsening UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION ON PNG
RECOMMENDED: Read about the worsening UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION ON PNG
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has recognised the crucial role of women in driving economic development and has taken steps to support and empower them through various initiatives. One of the key vehicles for this support is the National Development Bank (NDB).
Established as the government's vehicle to create wealth and empower local businesses, the NDB has a specific program called the "Women in Business Desk," aimed at assisting Papua New Guinean women in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
Before we take a look at what help is available for women in business in PNG, let's look at why women in PNG need to venture into business and tap into the help available.
The PNG government recognises the vital role of women in economic development. Women need to be involved in business because their participation brings numerous benefits.
Women's inclusion enhances diversity and creativity in the business landscape, leading to innovative solutions and increased competitiveness. By empowering women in business, economies can tap into a larger talent pool, driving growth and prosperity.
Moreover, women's economic involvement leads to better livelihoods for families and communities, contributing to poverty reduction. When women succeed in business, they become influential role models, inspiring future generations of female entrepreneurs and fostering a more equitable society.
Ultimately, women's participation in business is a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive development.
Read about the success of women in business in this article. Also, find out about the latest reseaches and papers on Women in Business, here.
The National Development Bank was established with a two-fold objective. First, to align itself with the National Government's 2050 Vision under the "Wealth Creation Pillar," and second, to develop a platform for the economic empowerment of women in PNG.
The NDB Women in Business Desk was established in October 2010 to facilitate this vision and support women in various aspects of business.
Women in PNG have historically faced marginalisation and restrictions in contributing significantly to various spheres of life. However, recent trends, both globally and locally, have shown that women are becoming increasingly active in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, seeking financial independence, and driving empowerment agendas.
Recognising this potential, the NDB's Women in Business Desk was created to provide targeted support and assistance to women entrepreneurs.
The Women in Business Desk has demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting women entrepreneurs in PNG.
Within just 12 months of its establishment, the NDB witnessed an impressive 1000% growth in loans granted to women in the formal business sector. This growth indicates the significant role women are playing in contributing to PNG's economic development.
Accessing the NDB's Women in Business services is relatively straightforward. Interested women entrepreneurs need to contact the nearest NDB branch in their location and get in touch with the Women in Business representative.
The NDB offers two types of loan packages tailored to meet the specific needs of women-owned and managed businesses.
The National Development Bank's Women in Business Desk is a commendable initiative by the PNG Government to empower women in business and promote gender equality in economic development.
Through accessible loan packages and comprehensive support programs, the NDB encourages women entrepreneurs to pursue their business aspirations, contribute to their families' well-being, and drive PNG's economic growth.
As the program continues to evolve and expand, it is likely to play a significant role in fostering a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape for women in Papua New Guinea.
The role of women in business and leadership in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been a subject of exploration and analysis for many years. Find out what is Women in Business in PNG, and what are the Successful models, challenges, and empowerment initiatives. Learn about women entrepreneurs and their economic impact.
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PNG Insight photo file: Small Business Couple, Mt Hagen, WHP |
In October 2008, an AusAID study was conducted to profile women's businesses and explore issues faced by female entrepreneurs in the country.
This article summarises the main findings of the study (link here, PDF) and presents recommendations for donors, the government, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to consider for empowering women in business and leadership in PNG.
The PNG government has made progress towards gender equality, with initiatives like the Equal Participation of Women plan in the PNG Constitution (Section 2, Paragraph 5).
However, compared to other Pacific countries, PNG still faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality and women's empowerment.
Factors such as cultural and social discrimination, limited resources, and lack of support from both men and women hinder the progress of women in business and leadership roles.
Women entrepreneurs in PNG encounter various barriers that affect their economic development and business growth. The constraints on women's economic development stem from broader gender inequalities in the country.
Limited access to productive resources, especially land, poses significant challenges for women. Moreover, women face difficulty in accessing finance and formal sector employment, with only a small percentage holding senior managerial positions.
Poor provision and maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and electricity, also hinder women's economic activities, especially in the informal sector. (Here is an example of a Road Connection in Western Highlands Province)
Women often become targets of unfair trading practices and anti-competitive behaviour, affecting their business operations. Lack of awareness of laws affecting business activity, poor legal support, and absence of sex-disaggregated data are additional barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
PNG Insight Photo File: Mothers Selling Strawberries near Roadside |
To address the barriers faced by women in business and leadership, several recommendations have been proposed:
Review gender-neutral or discriminatory land laws to promote women's economic empowerment. Prioritise widows in CEDAW (UN Convention on the Elimination of all Discrimination Against Women) shadow report consultations and provide assistance to rural and remote areas. Invest in legal aid offices and hotlines for widows.
Conduct awareness-raising training on laws, legal processes, contracts, intellectual property, and Fair Trade, especially in the mining sector. Support capacity-building in PNG's legal system and land administration to address discriminatory land laws and practices.
Conduct a feasibility study on women's business incubation centres and microloans such as SMEs. Offer business and financial mentoring to address cultural and familial challenges for women entrepreneurs. Study different entrepreneurial cultures in different provinces to develop appropriate program designs.
Assist farming communities in accessing Fair Trade and organic certified product markets. Coordinate trader tours to meet with craft, jewellery, and fashion producers to stimulate business partnerships.
Support the establishment of a Women's Chamber of Business with provincial branches. Generate ideas for promoting women's business networks and networking opportunities. Engage media to promote positive stories of successful women entrepreneurs.
To read about why it is important for women to be empowered in business ventures, CLICK HERE
Empowering women in business and leadership in PNG requires addressing the key barriers they face.
By implementing the recommendations provided in the study, the PNG government, donor agencies, and NGOs can create an environment that fosters gender equality, supports women's economic development, and promotes inclusive business growth.
Supporting women in business and leadership roles will not only benefit individual women but also contribute to PNG's overall economic growth and development.
To find out about Business Colleges in PNG, click here. (How to apply, GPA requirement and all you need to know as a Grade 12 student wanting to study business at a college or university next year)
1. What is Women in Business in Papua New Guinea?
Women in Business in Papua New Guinea refers to the participation of women in various economic activities, including entrepreneurship, formal and informal businesses, and agricultural endeavours. It encompasses women's roles as business owners, managers, and employees in the country's diverse economic sectors.
2. What are successful business models for women in PNG?
Successful business models for women in Papua New Guinea vary depending on the sector and location. Some successful models include women-owned microenterprises in the agricultural sector, women artisans and craft producers promoting Fair Trade and organic products, and women entrepreneurs in the service industry. Additionally, women who have access to financial literacy training, mentorship, and support networks tend to have better chances of success in business.
3. Who are the women in business in PNG?
Women in business in Papua New Guinea come from diverse backgrounds and communities. They include women entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, small-scale miners, and women engaged in various service-oriented businesses. These women play a vital role in contributing to the country's economy and local communities.
4. What are the key challenges faced by women in business in PNG?
Women in business in Papua New Guinea face several challenges, including limited access to land and property rights, lack of financial literacy and business skills, difficulty accessing finance, and cultural barriers that limit their economic opportunities. They also need help in terms of infrastructure limitations, poor legal support, and limited networking opportunities.
5. How can women's economic empowerment be promoted in PNG?
To promote women's economic empowerment in Papua New Guinea, it is essential to address these challenges. This can be achieved through initiatives such as:
Leave a comment and let us know what you think about Women in Business in Papua New Guinea or share your experience on PNG Insight. And importantly, do you think the PNG Government should assist women in business?
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When it comes to women in business in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the answer is a mix of challenges and successes. PNG, like many other countries, is making efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in various fields, including business and leadership. Let's dig deeper into the subject to gain a comprehensive understanding of Women in Business in PNG.
Find out about Business Colleges in PNG, click here. (How to apply, GPA requirement and all you need to know as a Grade 12 student wanting to study business at a college or university next year)
While the PNG government is making progress on gender equality and women's participation in economic development, there is still much work to be done.
The country ranks among the poorest performers in the Pacific on gender development indices, indicating that women face significant hurdles in realizing their full potential in business.
To read about our recent article on on this topic (PNG Women in Business), click here.
Women entrepreneurs in PNG encounter several challenges that hinder their business growth. These challenges include:
Additionally, poor infrastructure, lack of legal support, and limited networking opportunities further compound the challenges faced by women in business.
Despite the obstacles, there are inspiring success stories of women-owned businesses in PNG.
Successful business models include women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, women artisans and craft producers promoting Fair Trade and organic products, and women excelling in the service industry.
When equipped with financial literacy training, mentorship, and support networks, women entrepreneurs have shown remarkable resilience and achievements.
To promote women's economic empowerment in PNG, there is a need for targeted initiatives. These include:
All in all, while challenges persist, women in business in Papua New Guinea are making strides towards success.
With the right support, empowerment, and an inclusive approach, women entrepreneurs have the potential to drive economic growth, create sustainable businesses, and contribute significantly to the country's development.
Every Thursday, for the past five (5) years a group of dedicated women meet in Lae, Papua New Guinea, to sew high quality washable menstrual pads. So far, they have distributed over 3000 of these hygiene packs to girls in the Morobe province.
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Photo supplied: Nakei Siloi (L) & Munum Primary School Girls (R) |
“There is a big need. Store-bought pads are expensive. And the disposal of plastic synthetic pads is a problem for our environment.” Nakei Siloi, Marama and spokesperson for the group has been a volunteer with Days for Girls since 2018. “We do not want our daughters to miss school just because she has her sikmun. We want to educate our girls about her monthly cycle. To emphasize to her how natural and normal having a period is.”
In many parts of Papua New Guinea, haus meri or menstrual huts provide women and girls with the opportunity to support one another during their sikmun. “Because many of us have moved to urban locations, these opportunities for focused learning and rest are not readily available. We may not be talking openly about menstrual hygiene, so our daughters miss out.”
There is a culture of shame and taboo on matters pertaining to sexuality. Girls are teased at school if their clothes are stained. This also discourages our daughters from attending class.
“Days for Girls have programmes which educate our sons about menstruation. It is called ‘Men who Know.’” Every man and boy is connected to a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, coworker or classmate. Men and boys would be crucial partners to shatter the stigma and in the future, influence decision making. “We are looking for men who might want to volunteer to join us in this endeavour” said Ms Siloi.
Days for Girls was first established in Lae by Wendy Christie, supported by New Zealand, and Australian Days for Girls Teams and Chapters (especially those in Annerley, Boonah and Redlands, Queensland) along with sponsors; The Lioness Club of Lae, Express Freight Management, Chemcare, Papindo Ltd, Theodist and Brian Bell Home Centres.
For more information please contact us our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/daysforgirlslaepng
“We will be also looking at women in politics, the representation of women in office,” Prime Minister James Marape.
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