Humanity and Nature Indigenous Women's Association Inc.

About us

The Humanity and Nature Indigenous Women’s Association Inc. (HANIWAI) is an Indigenous women-led non-profit organization based in Papua New Guinea, deeply rooted in the interconnectedness of people and planet. Our mission is to empower marginalized communities through the protection of ancestral lands and traditional ecological knowledge throughout PNG and the Pacific.

We stand as guardians of the environment, recognizing that the well-being of Indigenous women and children is intrinsically linked to the health of our natural world. We provide safe spaces and support for those affected by injustices that often stem from environmental degradation and the loss of traditional ways of life, including displacement due to resource extraction, the impacts of climate change, and the erosion of cultural practices tied to the land. We stand with those most vulnerable, including widows, orphans, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other outcast or marginalized members of society, understanding that environmental issues disproportionately affect these groups.

Through community workshops focused on sustainable resource management, awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of biodiversity and traditional conservation methods, protest marches against environmental destruction, and cultural education that revitalizes ancestral knowledge of the land and sea, we work to break cycles of environmental harm and social injustice. At HANIWAI, we believe in healing our relationship with nature, fostering solidarity within our communities to protect our natural heritage, and reclaiming our inherent right to a healthy environment and thriving culture — together, and live by our motto to Preserve (our ecosystems and traditional knowledge), Protect (our lands and resources for future generations) and Transform (our communities into resilient environmental stewards).