Single mothers find means to fend for themselves

By ARMSTRONG SAIYAMA
THESE women from Asaro in Eastern Highlands are both resilient and enterprising.
Facing financial problems, they needed to work hard to put food on the table for their children.
“Our husbands have left us and we are here trying to look after our children and our families by selling these empty containers,” Margaret Moki said.
Jenny Peter said as Christians, they refused to resort to illegal means and ways of making fast money to survive in the city.
“We believe in Anutu (God) and we have faith in Him to help us in our daily business and the daily needs of our families,” she added.
Josephine Dumbi called on the National Capital District Commission’s city rangers to respect the rights of women vendors like them.
“We are just like
your mothers back in the villages.
“We try to sell our goods and make an honest living to feed, clothe, house and send our children to school,” she said.
The three women sell the large containers for K25 and the small ones for K5.
“It is raining in the city and we have many customers buying our containers to store rain water,” Dumbi said.
Moki called on NCD Governor Powes Parkop to give contract work to disadvantaged mothers like them to clean the city.
“We are willing and able to clean our city and make Port Moresby a better place to live in,” she said.