Meri blouse source of income for many mums

By BOSORINA ROBBY
THE meri blouse is synonymous with PNG culture and way of life and is fast becoming a fashionable item for women.
Because of this, many women have taken up sewing and selling beautifully-designed meri blouses to cater for the demand.
One woman at Waigani Market in Port Moresby claims to be the first to commercialise meri blouses.
She is Imelda Paul of Western Highlands, who has been selling her meri blouses for more than 20 years now at the Waigani market, from as early as 1988.
She said many women were also selling these meri blouses these days, which was good as they could earn extra money to support their families.
Despite having no formal training in sewing, Imelda has used her gift from God to do well for her family, even teaching other women to sew as well.
She said it would be good if the government looked into assisting women with a central location where they could all go to sell their products, instead of being scattered everywhere.
She said this would create interest among women and contribute towards development of the informal sector.
Paul sells her ware at Waigani market everyday under a tree she christened “Imelda’s colourful tree”.
She offers meri blouses in various styles, with prices ranging from K30 to K60.