Florence, known fondly as the 'Bilum Meri', is a fiercely passionate advocate for the women Bilum weavers of Papua New Guinea and an integral part of Among Equals as an aggregator. In 2013 Florence started the Bilum Festival. Florence is the epitome of strength, humility and what it means to be a woman forging a better future for the children of multiple communities. She works tirelessly to lift her sister weavers, and to promote Bilum at an international level.
“If you are buying Bilum through Among Equals, you are buying a bag that has a very big downstream effect. One Bilum benefits 10 to 15 people. Families are supported, children go to school, and it is life-changing.”
Florence Jaukae Kamel, or Bilum Meri as she is known in PNG, is fiercely passionate about building an international platform for the women weavers, while at the same time engaging more communities. Flo oversees the Blue Haus in Goroka, a safe space funded by Among Equals for the women to come together.
