The country has celebrated the International Women’s Day. It annually provides the stage for women and girls to celebrate their achievements while highlighting outstanding issues which need addressing.
The National Women’s Day is being prepared to be staged on the 24th of this month.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/street-vending/
Our newsroom has gone out to feature success stories of struggling women and girls whose successes are inspirational.
Meet Susil Simon Kurugumun, a widow from Wewak in East Sepik Province.
He vends fruits, vegetables and sago to fund dreams of her three children.
Boroko Market provides the platform for her and others.
From the market proceeds, she has raised three of her children who have now become engineers.
Ms. Kurugumun told our reporter: “I have been a fruit and sago vendor at the Boroko Market for more than 10 years, and the profits that I have earned helped my children who have pursued their dreams successfully.”
“The money I earned from marketing has given my children a better life, and they are now working as engineers, contributing to the nation building.”
Mrs. Kurugumun shared her experience of challenging times she with her children had to endure in her life.
“My husband passed away when my first and second sons were studying at the University of Papua New Guinea, while my youngest daughter was in high school.
“I faced financial difficulties paying their school fees and providing for their needs, including lunch money, clothing, food, shelter, and other essentials.”
Despite these challenges, Mrs. Kurugumun told PNG SUN: “Fruit vending at Boroko Market has paid dividends for my three children who have become engineers.”
“I was struggling after my husband died, but I persevered and used the market money to support my children,” she said.
Her key message to widows and women in PNG is: “A woman knows what’s best for her children, not a father. We, women, painfully, go through nine months of pregnancy and struggle for three to five years to look after a baby.”
She added, “We must have a strong plan for our children’s education and work tirelessly every day so that they can achieve their dreams.
“My commitment to my children’s education was driven by my own experiences and the way my parents lived,” Mrs. Kurugumun said.
Mrs. Kurugumun is the president of the Sago Cocoa production group, consisting of 36 vendors.
She said that sago (saksak) is transported out from her Wewak District for retailing at Boroko.
She continued that other fruits are bought from the Central and Gulf Provinces.
“I not only help with my children’s education but also support other children and help pay their school fees,” she said.
Mrs. Kurugumun said, “A woman who depends solely on her husband can’t survive and provide for her children’s education if the father dies.
“I am happy to share my story with struggling mothers.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/upng-3rd-year-student-juggles-study-with-street-vending-to-support-her-education/
My hardest times have brought happiness and joyful memories to my life and my family.”