Hako Women's Collective (HWC) was formed in June 2006 by the Indigenous village women of the Hako area in Buka Island, in response to the critical needs of the Hako community post conflict (10 years of war 1988-1998, and the following 8 years of the Peace Process 1998-2006). Read more or view Powerpoint presentation about HWC.

Luman Hipakoko: a place to find help

On 4 November 2017, HWC and the Hako community celebrated the opening of Luman Hipakoko, a community centre ten years in the making. It's a long story - read on! 
The video below was made for the 2017 crowdfunding campaign on Chuffed.org, which raised over $20,000 for the building of Luman Hipakoko.

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HWC Programs and activities

Disability Services
​HWC has facilitated a partnership of disability groups in Bougainville. Read more
Family Referral Service, Meri Seif Haus
HWC operates an emergency safe house and referral service for women and children experiencing domestic violence. HWC also offers social programs addressing triggers for violence such as alcohol and other drug use.
Ending Violence against Children (ENDVAC)
Bougainville Women and Youth Human Rights Defenders Network

Videos and galleries

​Extreme Bamboo Band at the opening of Luman Hipakoko, 4 November 2017. The song praises the chiefs of the Ngalkobul village (Haruhe, Hehis and Siare) for their support for Luman Hipakoko through many difficulties. Look out for Chief Haruhe's response near the end!
Positive Parenting Program: HWC runs a 6-week course 4 times a year, to support parents in bringing up their children and caring for themselves. Recently expanded to increase the material on men's health.
"Women's Wealth": HWC is facilitating the involvement of 12 women artists across Bougainville in the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art Brisbane, November 2018-April 2019.
Picture
Strips of pandanus to be made into a tuhu (cloak).
​Elizabeth makes a backpack, the traditional way to carry vegetables home from the gardens.
More from the Extreme Band - showing the Bamboo section in action.
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