Lilly Namunu, a 45-year-old entrepreneur from Milne Bay Province, is a powerful force for change in her community. As the Director of Shualink PNG Ltd, Lilly is using her experience and passion to drive financial empowerment, particularly for women in rural areas. Her work was recently recognized at the inaugural Excellence Awards hosted by the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) on 22 November 2024, where she received the Financial Advocate Award.
Lilly holds a Diploma in Accounting and is a mother of three. Despite the personal challenges of being separated, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for others. Through Shualink PNG Ltd, based in Alotau, Milne Bay province, she delivers a wide range of services:
- Financial literacy and entrepreneurial training
- MiBank account opening
- Solar lighting distribution
- Business consultations
- Financial inclusion campaigns
Now in its fifth year, Lilly’s business has a diverse customer base that includes provincial and local governments, churches, wards, schools, youth groups, and women across Milne Bay Province. Shualink PNG Ltd is fully registered with the Investment Promotion Authority and the Internal Revenue Commission.
Lilly’s core motivation lies in empowering rural women by helping them achieve financial independence. “Financial freedom gives women greater urgency, security, and the ability to care for their families without economic constraints,” she says.
However, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. She points to language barriers in training, delayed payments affecting cash flow, cultural differences, and law and order issues as major obstacles. To expand her reach, Lilly says she needs support in the form of training materials, office space, and further training through CEFI.
Her involvement with CEFI has seen positive changes. The Financial Literacy Training of Trainers (TOT) programme helped her make informed financial decisions for her business and encouraged her to instill similar knowledge in rural communities. “If we can manage to save every toea, we can achieve more. That’s the message I now pass on,” she explains.
Lilly’s impact is already evident. Her efforts are helping everyday Papua New Guineans access financial services, make better financial decisions, improve living standards, and strengthen their small businesses.
Her legacy message to young women is both inspiring and practical: “Cultivate a fierce desire for financial independence. Let it guide your choices and free you to pursue your passions. Be resilient, creative, and solution-focused. You have the power to build, to innovate, and to leave your unique mark on the world.”
Through her leadership and commitment, Lilly continues to champion financial literacy and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea.
Image Caption: Lilly was named the inaugural recipient of the Financial Advocate Award. She is pictured with the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Ms Elizabeth Genia, at the 2024 awards ceremony. The Governor presented Lilly with her award.
