PNG – Goroka

Strongpela Meri

The film is a reflection of women living in and around Goroka in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea during the 28 day Covid-19 lockdown that was imposed by the Government.  The women relied heavily on the informal street markets to provide food for their families.  These markets are referred to as Table Markets and the women resellers as Table Mamas.  The film highlights the resilience of the women in their role to provide food for the families even when their lives were at risk. Betelnut regarded as the Green Gold in the Highlands played a prominent role in generating the needed income. Those who owned land survived through sale of their garden produce.  The settlers who are ‘landless’ survived due to strong community networks that operate on the notion of ‘I share whatever I have so you and I can survive’.

Kafe Urban Settlers Women’s Association


The Kafe Urban Settlers Women’s Association (KUSWA) is a non-government organisation based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.  Since its establishment in 2006, KUSWA has addressed Gender Based Violence through its advocacy programs and helped victims of violence to seek justice and protection. The local organisation helps victims of violence; train and educate victims; provide counselling services and safe house to accommodate the victims and their families, and also provide paralegal services.

The president and the founder of KUSWA is Ms. Eriko Fufurefa. Hence, her reflection on the impacts of covid -19 had on marginalized women is vital because of her many experiences dealing with victimized women. Capturing her views on film the government role in addressing emergencies, especially for people in rural communities and the urban settlers is profound. 

Center for Social and Creative Media

Center for Social and Creative Media was established in 2012 at the University of Goroka.  It is a research center focusing its research on the use and application of media and communication for the benefit of individuals and communities.  To date, CSCM has successfully completed over 27 projects on various social and environmental issues that affect communities.  CSCM looks at giving a voice to the community through the use of media and developing local research and development approaches. 

Center for Creative and Social Media’s vision is to innovate the use of media and communication research and practice in the Pacific applying and investigating concepts of social justice and indigenous values.