Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea
Strengthening micro, small, and medium businesses in the Pacific is at the heart of Australian Business Volunteers' (ABV) mission to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region. In partnership with City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Foundation Inc., which is dedicated to empowering women through education, healthcare, and economic development, we have launched a pilot six-month Business Mentoring Program for six pioneering businesswomen in Papua New Guinea. We are continually inspired by the vision and determination of these women leading the way. The program offers in-person training workshops, personalised mentorship, and one-on-one business support from ABV’s volunteer business mentor, Zarah de la Cruz. Additionally, it provides valuable networking opportunities, enabling women entrepreneurs to build strong and lasting support systems.
We’d like to introduce you to three of the participants and their inspiring stories that we celebrate and learn from this International Women’s Day.
Anne-Shirley Korave: Advancing Menstrual Health
Anne-Shirley Korave is the founder of QueenPads, a social enterprise providing sustainable and affordable menstrual health solutions in Papua New Guinea.
Experiencing firsthand the challenge of affording sanitary pads, Anne-Shirley began creating reusable alternatives. The positive feedback she received inspired her to launch QueenPads, which by March 2022 had its products in selected City Pharmacy stores nationwide, significantly improving access to menstrual health solutions.
She later collaborated with the CPL Foundation to expand menstrual health education and, by 2024, secured her first overseas export to the Solomon Islands. Dedicated to strengthening her business model and increasing awareness of menstrual health, Anne-Shirley joined the mentorship program in late 2024, furthering her mission as a social entrepreneur.
Sarah Artango: Championing Inclusive Skincare
Sarah Artango is the founder and director of Pearl Cosmetics, a company dedicated to providing inclusive skincare solutions in Papua New Guinea.
What began in 2009 as a kitchen experiment—creating natural, hypoallergenic products for friends and family—grew into a thriving local business. Motivated by her struggles with sensitive skin, Sarah launched Pearl Body Scrub to the PNG market, promoting the benefits of exfoliation and consistent skincare routines.
In 2022, she formally incorporated Pearl Cosmetics, followed by the launch of her product line on City Pharmacy shelves in 2023.
As a participant in the Business Mentoring Program, Sarah continues to refine her marketing, finance, and strategic planning skills.
“With my daily operations, I find myself utilising skills acquired from the in-person training in marketing, finance, or strategic planning in the smallest to the biggest of business decisions and challenges I face.”
Meriba May Igara: Making PNG Wildlife a Part of Childhood Memories
Meriba-May Igara is the founder of Boss Crew PNG, a business that brings Papua New Guinea’s wildlife to life through plush toys.
She set out to design a plush toy inspired by the cuscus, an iconic local animal, to foster a stronger connection with PNG’s wildlife. Since then, Boss Crew PNG has developed six distinct plush toy designs under its Poro Adventures range, featuring endangered animals like the Tree Kangaroo, Pig-nosed Turtle, and Bird of Paradise. A portion of profits supports the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, which protects the critically endangered Tenkile tree kangaroo.
The Poro Adventures range officially launched on City Pharmacy shelves on March 8, 2023, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
“The mentoring program has been transformational for me. I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and actionable skills to strengthen my marketing strategies and enhance my operations,” Meriba-May shared.
These women exemplify resilience, innovation, and determination, shaping the future of business in Papua New Guinea and beyond. Their stories inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, proving that with the right support and mentorship, women can break barriers and create lasting impact. We look forward to sharing the more inspiring stories from the this program.
