Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

The AWE program gives women business owners the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

Secretary Blinken met with Priscilla Meakoro, the owner of a local skin and haircare company that manufactures milk and aloe vera oil from local ingredients farmed by women. He also met with Bonnie Naua, founder of Saroni Tailoring whose designer collections, and Elisa Haiara, owner of a digital printing and business promotion solution, E-Products Limited, which has expanded from one to two shops with a third in the works.

The runway showcased home grown designs with a touch of the latest trend seen around the world.

From casual wear to evening wear, swim wear to active wear, all had one thing in common, designed by Papua New Guinean women entrepreneurs.

The Hatwok Meri Runway was organized by the US Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

Warumou collection was one that caught the attention of the spectators.

 It displayed an elegance line-up of the must wear fashion for today’s trend.

“I want to take time to acknowledge our partners Exxon Mobil and Coca Cola for your continuous support since the inception of AWE in 2019. And to Emstret Holdings, our 2021 implementing partner.
 
“I have to thank Ruth Undi, Mary Handen, Shelley Launa, Vani Nades, and Janet Sios, or coordinators, for their excellent work throughout the years. And to the AWE alumnae who will be showcasing today, I welcome you all. 
 
“Today we celebrate the Global Entrepreneurship Week by showcasing PNGs greatest natural resource - your women leaders,” Ambassador McKee said. 

Seven of these women included enthusiastic participants who travelled into Port Moresby from provincial centres.

United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Erin E. McKee, congratulated all participants who successfully completed the course saying: “When women do better, countries do better, communities do better, and families do better.”

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is a new program supporting women entrepreneurs around the world.  

The Academy, in support of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, will equip women with the practical skills needed to create sustainable businesses. Through an inclusive learning community, women from Papua New Guinea will be given opportunities to explore business fundamentals, including creating business plans and raising capital, with the goal of building a better future for their families and communities.