Mamas Laef Group Wins Grant

THE Mamma’s Laef group in Vanuatu has won a significant grant from Frontier Innovators, an initiative of the Australian Government.

Mamma’s Leaf is a Pango-based organisation that produces reusable sanitary pads and provides reproductive health education in schools and communities.

They applied to Frontier Innovators last year and were one of the 15 winners. At this stage Mamma’s Laef have not been told the size of the grant.

“The grant will support us a lot in the administration of the organisation and a bigger working space,” said Jack Kalsrap who, together with his wife Mary, started Mamma’s Laef.

“We deal with sanitary pads that are environmentally friendly and the grant will help us expand the production and awareness.

“The organisation was inspired because we saw that most women are using rags that are unhealthy and that young women need education on reproductive health to protect themselves from sickness.

“We visit many schools and communities, giving out these sanitary pads and awareness.

“I, as the only male in the organization, am breaking barriers that this is not only a women’s issue, but it also requires male support and that it shouldn’t be a tabu subject for men.”

Frontier Innovators is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s innovationXchange, delivered by SecondMuse.

Frontier Innovators is a search for innovative businesses in the Asia-Pacific that are delivering impact through their work that supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fifteen of these businesses have become winners and will gain the following benefits – up to $AUD100,000 of funding, three-six months of tailored support and access to partners, advisors and investors.