Women in Business in Papua New Guinea: Constraints and Challenges

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.

In this latest article, we take a look at other help available to 'Women in Business in Papua New Guinea. Click here to find out.

PNG Insight photo file: Small Business Couple, Mt Hagen, WHP

To read about the Farmer in the photo above, click here.

Women in Business in Papua New Guinea

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.

Background on Women 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 Doing Business in PNG - Key Barriers

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

Recommendations

To address the barriers faced by women in business and leadership, several recommendations have been proposed:

1. Access to Land/Property

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.

2. Legal/Regulatory Issues

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.

3. Access to Finance and Business Training and Education

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.

4. Access to Regional Value-Added Markets 

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.

5. Women's Business Advocacy and Networking

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

Summary

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)

FAQs about Women in Business in PNG

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:

• Reviewing and reforming gender-neutral or discriminatory land laws to ensure women's land ownership and decision-making rights.
• Providing business training and financial literacy programs tailored to women's needs.
• Creating women's business incubation centres and offering mentoring and support for women entrepreneurs.
• Facilitating access to regional and international markets, such as Fair Trade and organic markets, for women producers and exporters.
• Establishing a Women's Chamber of Business to promote networking and advocacy for women entrepreneurs.

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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How to Register Company with IPA Online (Investment Promotion Authority)

This is an extract of frequently ask questions for registering a business in Papua New Guinea with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). The information first appeared in the Post Courier and we share it here for our readers. 

In this info-article, you'll find out about the different companies you can register; how to register a business either offline (in person) or online; the cost of registering a business what to do when you've applied to register a business. 

How do I register a business? 

There are a number of differences which one can register:

1. A Limited Company,
2. Business Name, 
3. Association, 
4. Business Group and 
5. Foreign Enterprise

Upon registration, one can receive a registration certificate under the entity type they register.

How do I go on obtaining an IPA Certificate?

The IPA Certificate is given to foreign entities that are after company registration is required to lodge a foreign enterprise application.

How do I obtain this important document? 

One can obtain extracts or certificates of business entities, from IPA Website. However, at the IPA front counters, IPA does not provide soft-copy searches or printed extracts.

How to register business offline?

• 1. Business name registration fee offline is K200.00
• 2. You must submit the completed business name Form 1 to the Registrar of companies, via post if you are outside of Port Moresby or at our public front counter at Konedobu.
• 3. The IPA postal addresses are; PO Box 1281, Port Moresby, NCD or PO Box 5053, Boroko, NCD, Attention: Registrar of Companies.
• 4. In relation to payment, IPA does not accept cash, hence, fees can be paid via bank cheque, Eftpos on-site or direct deposit using IPA’s customized deposit form.
• 5. If using the normal bank deposit form, please remember to attach the original deposit butt to the application form.
• 6. Account Name: INVESTMENT PROMOTION AUTHORITY 
• 7. Bank: WESTPAC Acc#: 295283 | BSP Acc#: 1001323865 | KINA Acc#: 1150909

How to register a business online?

You also have an option to register your business name and pay fees online using a visa/credit card or by registering yourself as a Deposit Account (prepaid) user on the IPA website. 

The filing fee to register your business name online is K150.00.

PART A FIRST, CREATE A REGISTERED USER ACCOUNT BY DOING THE FOLLOWING 

In order to use IPA Online Registry System (ORS) to access services other than conducting entity searches, one must first register an ONLINE USER account.

To register an online user account, follow steps 1-6 below. 

(If you are already a registered user, please skip to PART B).

• 1. Enter the IPA website address as in https://www.ipa.gov.pg 
• 2. Click Register account 
• 3. Enter your personal details 
• 4. Enter a username
• 5. Enter a password 
• 6. Click ‘create’ to be automatically registered as a registered user. A dashboard automatically appears on the successful completion of this process.

Note: Ensure to record your username and password lest you forget.

PART B – CHECK NAME AVAILABILITY

The first step towards applying for any entity registration including Business Names is to make sure that the name you are proposing to register is available (or is not already registered by someone else). 

Follow Steps 1-6 below: Click Online Services from the tab as in below

PART C – REGISTERING A BUSINESS NAME ONLINE 

• 1. Again, from your dashboard click Online Services 
• 2. Click on Register Business Name 
• 3. Fully complete all tabs as in below and click ‘Submit’

• 4. Once the Fee Payment screen appears complete details in full and click ‘Continue’. A follow-on payment screen will appear. 
• 5. Fill in the details of your CREDIT or DEBIT CARD. 
• 6. Click ‘Continue’ to complete the process.

PART D – NOTES 

• WHAT TO EXPECT: Once the above process is complete, the application is queued in the internal work queue and can be processed imminently.
• ESTIMATED TURNAROUND TIME: Approximate processing time for applications submitted online is 2 working days. Follow-ups may be staged after 2 working days.
• ONLINE FEE: Online application/registration fee applicable for Business Names is K150.
• PAYMENT METHOD: For any online submission, a fee is to be made by either CREDIT CARD or DEBIT CARD
• FOREIGN ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION: After completing the registration process as above, entities having foreign involvements will need to apply for what is called a Foreign Enterprise Certification. For this, refer to the information sheet titled ‘Using Online Registry System – Foreign Certification Process.
• EMAIL CONTACT: The email address to be used for online queries is ipaonline@ipa.gov.pg

Source: This article originally appeared in the Post Courier 

(24 December 2021)

Benefits of Agriculture in PNG: Local Broccoli Farmer Helps His Community

A story of hard work, sharing, opportunity and, above all, giving back to the community. 

His success story starts from when he sold a small pig for K300 and with the cash purchased broccoli seeds. 

From never working a formal 8am - 5pm job and instead solely being a subsistent broccoli farmer, he has been able to move from a traditional kunai house into a permanent fully furnished house.

(Pic: Pastor Charles & family - new house at the back) 

He has also constructed a permanent church for his congregation, see picture below. He has been fortunate to educate his children as well as other children within his community, and pay the brideprice of his own sons and many others within the community.

Church built by Pastor Charles

Hilans Fres Agronomical advice and local farmers network

With the agronomical advice from Hilans Fres extension officers who visit farmers across some of highlands regions, Pastor Charles was able to further his broccoli knowledge and is now a lead farmer for Hilans Fres and has been since 2015. 

He has his own broccoli plots which he harvests, but also has 34 faithful out-grower farmers working with him to meet the volume requested by Hilans Fres. 

Pastor Charles Broccoli Nursery in Tambul, WHP

Once matured, the harvest is delivered to Hilans Fres Dobel depot in crates and following Hilans Fres’ strict cool chain process makes its way to Tininga Supermarket shelves as well as supermarket shelves in Port Moresby and various mining sites around PNG. 

Pastor Charles helps the community 

Being a lead farmer, Pastor Charles co-ordinates his farmers’ production schedule so that supply is regular and continuous “supply mas go yet!”.  At present, he is supplying 1,500 kilograms twice a week, and even three times a week if there is a demand for broccoli. 

Recognising the enormous opportunity, Pastor Charles has been encouraging his fellow community members to also plant broccoli. 

So much so that he spent K22,000 on broccoli seeds to distribute within his community!

Finding a steady market with Hilans Fres

Before he started selling to the Hilans Fres, he would sell his broccoli at the Mt. Hagen Market. 

Although he admits that some days he was able to get more from selling at the market the income is not consistent or guaranteed. 

Some days he would have to bring the produce back home if there was no sale. Since 2015 with the assistance from HF and his own commitment, he is able to earn a guaranteed consistent income for himself and his farmers.

Pastor Charles’ next dream is to buy his own vehicle so that he no longer has to rely on the two-hour (car hire) trip to get his broccoli to Hilans Fres depot in Mt Hagen.

Story and photo credit: @Hilans Fres

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• This story was originally published on Hilans Fres Facebook page. 
• Learn about the company's agriculture work with the locals on their website (click here).
• Below is a Youtube video of the fantastic work they are doing with the local communities. 

Editor's note

We saw this post about Pastor Charles and how one local company helps him to find a steady market in Hagen, Port Moresby and the mining towns; and thought it was worth sharing. 

So, we reached out to Hilans Fres on Facebook and with their permission, we are sharing this wonderful story of Pastor Charles with you. Thank you for sharing this story with us Hilans Fres!