This review examines economic roles of women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and evaluates their business activities topology, alongside the prevailing entrepreneurial landscape conditions. With a focus on poverty reduction, gender equality, and social development, the paper synthesizes existing findings from various sources to highlight the significant yet constrained contributions of PNG women within the business sector. Central entrepreneurial elements of innovation, opportunity recognition, risk management, action, resource utilisation and added value are explored in addition to outcomes of existing programs.
Findings suggest that women predominantly operate within the informal or microbusiness sector, providing essential goods and services with limited opportunity for growth due to infrastructure and cultural barriers. The review notes a lack of innovation in terms of new product or service development by women with interventions focused on the integration of existing technologies into existing businesses. External cultural norms and gender roles impact women's independence and autonomy within business operations, including their ability to access finance. Despite such challenges, PNG women display significant resilience and resourcefulness. They leverage limited resources and navigate through socio-economic challenges, contributing to the family and greater community.
Less is understood about the intrinsic influences and motivations for PNG women to engage in entrepreneurial business typologies. Findings suggest current training programs designed to support business activities may not be aligned with the creation of new products, services or processes. However, the available literature does not clearly contextualise a woman as an entrepreneur or businessperson.
It is recommended that future research and policy focuses on experiences of women in PNG to better understand the economic opportunities available to bolster female entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Evidence informed implementation of new policy measures, above current poverty alleviation strategies, targeted at resourcing women into high-value businesses, may improve financial outcomes for female entrepreneurs, enhance innovation, and increase national economic growth.