Year: 2024
Amount: € 6.000,-
Where: Sorong

In this message, you can read about how Hapin employee Sophie Wijsenbeek-Schreurs met with a group of market women in Sorong. These Papuan women had to leave their regular selling spot overnight to make way for a government building. The “mamas” decided to sell their goods from a new location but were hindered by competition from transmigrants. The women were in despair. They saw their family incomes decrease and felt ignored by local authorities.

They asked Hapin for help in purchasing sales tables and refrigerators so that their new selling location could be transformed into a dignified market that attracts shoppers. This request is about more than just handy items. It signifies recognition of the problems the women face daily.

However, the total amount needed exceeded our financial capabilities. Fortunately, we found a listening ear because the Dutch foundation Cascade decided to financially contribute to this project. Thanks to this co-financing, 45 sales stalls and five refrigerators will soon be purchased. Around 50 vendors and their families will experience a financial boost. But more importantly, they will finally feel heard. That’s what makes our work in Papua so important.