IPSWICH local Gay Muller is making a profound impact on the lives of women and girls in Papua New Guinea through her initiative, Meri Freedom Bags.

Since founding the project in 2019, Ms Muller and her dedicated team of 80 volunteers have created and distributed more than 6000 reusable menstrual hygiene kits, aiming to break taboos and provide essential education on menstrual health.

Supported by the Rotary Club of Ipswich, the initiative is addressing a critical issue for women in PNG, where access to sanitary products is limited.

Preparing for her eighth trip to the region, Ms Muller is determined to expand the program’s reach and impact.

The initiative carefully assembles each Meri Freedom Bag to ensure girls have the supplies they need.

“Each bag contains a large drawstring pouch labelled ‘Meri’s Freedom’,” Ms Muller said. “That was requested because many girls are very shy and sensitive about the contents.”

With “meri” meaning “girl” in Pidgin, and “freedom” meaning the release of oneself from something, Ms Muller hopes her initiative will continue to provide long-term solutions to menstrual health challenges in PNG.

Inside the bags are essential hygiene products, including a washer, five reusable pads that clip onto underwear, two pairs of underwear, soap, two educational cards, and small pouches for storing used pads.

The initiative recently delivered 650 hygiene bags to six primary schools in PNG, accompanied by a week-long educational program teaching students about menstrual health and the benefits of reusable products.

“Menstruation is seen as very shameful because blood is taboo in their culture,” Ms Muller said.

Ms Muller’s work has attracted the support of Dame Carol Kidu, a former member of PNG’s National Parliament, who will join her on the upcoming trip.

Dame Kidu has requested an expansion of the initiative to include support for men’s health needs as well.