270711WOMEN MOVE
By Aloysius Laukai in Arawa.

The women of Central Bougainville are benefiting from a private initiative to establish a micro finance network in Arawa Central Bougainville.
The Bougainville Women’s microfinance established in 2010 has up to 500 members already and according to the Manageress, STELLA TUNIM the membership is increasing.
STELLA TUNIM told New Dawn FM that the aim of establishing the scheme was to assist women who get monies from cocoa, copra and the sale of food and vegetable at the markets and do not have a place to save them for future use for school fees, medical expenses and their other daily needs.
She said that the registration or membership fees is K20 and K10 for the payment of passbook.
She says that since they started last year they have given small loans to members on a one to one basis.
MS TUNIM says that currently they are able to sustain their operation but would need some government support to expand their services.
New Dawn FM understands that the Community Development Office recently secured several millions of Kina from the World Bank for Bougainville women in similar situations as the women of Central Bougainville.

Pictured are Stella Tunim Manageress(Seated Centre) and Lucy Sipara(Accounts Officer (right) and Naomi Matevai Loans Admin Officer left)