Every day, women in Papua New Guinea face signifi cant disadvantages and gender inequality. They have little representation in government, are less likely to be in paid employment, and have little power in the decisions communities make.

Ruth Sellick, a member of Western Link Uniting Church in Adelaide, is a UnitingWorld Experience volunteer who is working tirelessly to address this problem.

Twice a year since 2007, this retired geologist, educator and business consultant has travelled to some of the most remote villages of Milne Bay, PNG to work with these women and empower them through micro finance.

She works with these women to develop a solid business plan, and teaches them business fundamentals about marketing their products and making a profit.

Once the women pay back the original loan, the profi t and their ongoing business is theirs to keep and grow. By giving women these skills and training, these women can escape the cycle of poverty and become strong and independent.

Women then have the freedom to start up any kind of business that they want. Some sell food, others catch fi sh for sale at a local market or raise pigs and chickens.

This project has already made a real difference. Since it began in 2007, 217 women across 208 villages and islands have received basic training in business management to help them make the most of their business.

Ruth admits that this work is far from a holiday. She takes the joy and success she experiences with the sadness and misfortune she witnesses. But she is driven and determined to work with these women to make a real, sustainable difference for them to build their own future.