Meet Wago Segi, one of the first weavers to work with Among Equals in 2015. Known for her intricate handwork and clever colour palettes, Wago is an exceptional artist but also a generous and entrepreneurial spirit who now oversees a micro-business of weavers within the Among Equals circle. Here, she speaks with Florence Jaukae, a cultural adviser to our brand, on the impact of Bilum.
Florence Jaukae: When Wago was 15 years old, she had to leave school in grade eight, her life was complicated. She married a local man in Goroka, she was a strong girl and she started weaving. Wago, I would love you to tell us a little bit about what you do as a businesswoman in Bilum.
Wago Segi: I'm from Okapa, a small village here in Papua New Guinea, I have two children and I started Bilum weaving about 10 years ago. From the money I make from Bilum, I use it to buy fibre for the other women [in my community] and for my sisters so that we can all make Bilum. I also buy piglets and sell the pig when it has grown, and this allows me to distribute savings to my family.
FJ: So you were able to start a little mini piggery from your Bilum savings. From there, you went on to employ about 10 Bilum weavers, and your sisters have since come to live with you. You’re one of our biggest income earners now through Among Equals, your work is beautiful, and you are also able to train the women. Wago buys fibre from the shops, distributes it among the women, she pays for their labour, and really empowers the women. I'm excited by her story because I have known Wago since she was a strong
young girl suddenly unable to attend school. She went on to have two children, she was responsible for her family but she didn't give up. In fact, she continued to pursue her dreams and now she is a small enterprise owner. She is a very interesting young woman, strong, and now empowering others.
WS: Through Bilum I was able to help myself, I was able to pay my children’s school fees, help my family and provide food. We have a lot of strong women in the village, especially the Bilum weavers, and together we support the children. We see a future through Bilum, and it has made a big difference.
