From Women's Empowerment to Community Resilience

The Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Sapotim Strongpela Meri Project, supported by the European Union and implemented by World Vision PNG, is helping women across Central Bougainville developing skills, confidence and opportunities needed to build sustainable small businesses, increase household incomes and strengthen their communities.

For Amalanie Mimisi, a mother of three and caregiver to four nieces and nephews, the project offered more than business training. It became a pathway to economic independence, business growth and community leadership.

Before joining the project, Amalanie operated a small SME trade store in Kurai and worked hard to provide for her family. Despite her determination, she lacked the technical business skills needed to maximise her business potential.

"I was only focused on getting income to sustain my SME, my children and my family. I had no idea about costing, pricing, customer relations or promoting products," says Amalanie.

Through the project, she received training in financial literacy, business management, budgeting, marketing, pricing and record keeping. The training gave her practical skills to better manage and grow her business.

"The training really opened my eyes. I realised there were many things I was spending money on that had nothing to do with running the business. Now I know where I can improve and move forward," says Amalanie.

One of the most valuable lessons was learning how to manage cash flow and keep accurate business records.

"Now I can do my own budgeting, cash flow and record keeping. It helps me understand how my business is performing," Amalanie adds.

With the knowledge and confidence gained through the project, Amalanie began making better business decisions, resulting in increased revenue and improved performance.

"After the WEE Project, my SME revenue started growing rapidly because of the knowledge I gained through the training, says Amalanie"

As her business expanded, Amalanie began creating opportunities for other women in her community. She purchases locally produced coconut oil from women producers, repackages it under her own brand and sells it through local markets and retail outlets.

"I help the mothers who produce oil in our community. I buy their products and sell them through my business. We work together and support each other, Amalanie adds."

She also supports elderly women who can no longer maintain productive gardens by purchasing their woven baskets and traditional handicrafts, providing them with an alternative source of income.

"I want the elderly mothers to earn something and sustain themselves, so I buy their woven baskets and crafts."

Amalanie’s success reflects the broader impact of the WEE Sapotim Strongpela Meri Project, which is empowering women to become entrepreneurs, income earners and contributors to local economic development.

Behind her success is the support of her husband, Joshua Davanera, who continues to play an important role in the growth of their business.

"My husband supports me in every aspect of running the SME. His support is one of the main reasons our business continues to operate successfully, says Amalanie."

Looking ahead, Amalanie hopes to purchase roadside land and establish a larger supermarket that will improve access to goods and services while creating employment opportunities for local people.

"I want to build a supermarket that creates jobs for people in the community and for family members. That is our dream and what we are working towards. Says Amalanie"

The transformation in Amalanie’s life shows what is possible when women are given the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. From struggling to manage her business to becoming a confident entrepreneur and community champion, her journey reflects the impact of the WEE Sapotim Strongpela Meri Project. Supported by the European Union and implemented by World Vision PNG, the project is empowering women to rewrite their futures, strengthen their families and build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.