Introduction

Greetings readers, 

I am Shivonnie Sakme, a 25 year old Papua New Guinean girl who loves writing. In my free time I journal a lot. When I am overwhelmed, I write as a way of dealing with pressures of dealing with life as a young woman. Its never been easy, but I would like to write to share raw experiences, stories and share my thoughts into what life is like as an ordinary young Papua New Guinean.  

Before jumping on this journey with me , let me tell you a bit out my beautiful island country. PNG is the second largest island in the world with over a 860 plus languages. It is one of the richest country in culture and traditions. It is home to more than 750 to 800 species of birds and is the third largest rainforest in the world with almost 75% of its original rainforest remaining. PNG is mostly known as the land of the unexpected. Often times, PNG is commonly expressed a culturally diversified nation.PNG is divided into 4 regions; Momase, Islands, Highlands and Southern Regions with 22 provinces altogether.

PNG obtained self governance in 1973 and became an independent state on September 16, 1975. This year coming 16th of September, PNG will turn 50 as a nation. The founding father of Papua New Guinea is the Late Grand Chief Micheal Somare. 

PNG is a developing nation with almost 60% of its population comprised of young people. PNG has so much potential develop and advance as a nation. Almost 50 years on now, we still have many challenges to address as a nation regardless. For example, geographically, PNG has some of the most hardest geographical landscape to develop infrastructure such as roads, railways, air ports to ensure people have equal access to transportation. However, because of the difficult geographical landscape in PNG, most of the 80 % of the nations population that lives in the villages do not have equal and accessible access to transport and basic health services. 

The social structures and the way of life is mostly male-dominated because we are a nation that is strongly connected with our culture. Our cultures and tradition is our way of life. It is irreplaceable. It connects us to our people, tribe, clan and communities.

PNG also  has some of the best tourist sights and wonders to explore and enjoy.

With that, i hope you come on this journey with me as i write and share with you my experiences as a young woman growing up and living in a developing  nation that is culturally diverse and is male-dominated in almost everything from Politics to every other thing.