Guardians of
Culture & Nature
A grassroots movement dedicated to uplifting indigenous women and preserving the natural heritage of Papua New Guinea.
Rooted in Ancestral Wisdom
HANIWAI was born from a simple truth: the people closest to the land are best positioned to protect it.
In Papua New Guinea, women are the backbone of the community and the primary custodians of biodiversity. Yet, their voices are often sidelined. We exist to change that narrative.
Our Mission
To empower indigenous women and marginalized communities in PNG through sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Our Vision
A future where humanity and nature thrive together, driven by equity and ancestral wisdom.
Commitment to SDG 2030
Gender Equality
Empowering women to lead in their communities.
TARGET: 2027Climate Action
Resilience through indigenous knowledge.
TARGET: 2030Clean Water
Sustainable access for rural villages.
TARGET: 2026Gender Equality
Empowering women to lead in their communities.
TARGET: 2027Climate Action
Resilience through indigenous knowledge.
TARGET: 2030Clean Water
Sustainable access for rural villages.
TARGET: 2026Gender Equality
Empowering women to lead in their communities.
TARGET: 2027Climate Action
Resilience through indigenous knowledge.
TARGET: 2030Clean Water
Sustainable access for rural villages.
TARGET: 2026Meet Our Leadership
Maryanne Rimbao
Founder & DirectorHighlands women's rights leader for 15+ years. Championing grassroots organizing, indigenous land rights, and giving a voice to the unheard.
Leonia Young
Deputy DirectorExpert in safehousing and women's protection. Ensures vulnerable members of our community have secure refuge, legal advocacy, and trauma-informed care during crises.
Melizah Ombo
SecretaryConnecting rural voices to national policy. Orchestrates communication between village leaders, government officials, and policymakers to ensure grassroots priorities are heard at the highest levels.
Catherine
TreasurerFinancial integrity and transparency expert. Maximizes the impact of every donation and grant received, rigorously overseeing project budgets to ensure direct benefit to the communities we serve.
Brigitta Minok
Committee MemberDriving grassroots storytelling and change. Amplifies the lived experiences of women on the frontlines of our environmental efforts through community workshops and media outreach.