Papua New Guinea
Martha Raka has always had a big heart and a bold vision. Inspired by her mother’s example of generosity and leadership, Martha dedicated her life to improving livelihoods and building stronger, more self-reliant communities. As the eldest sibling, she’s continuing her mother’s legacy—but in a new way.
“I’m doing it in a more innovate way so the people can help themselves as well,” she explains. “It’s sustainable, so if I’m not there anymore, they know what to do, they are able to help themselves.”
Martha’s commitment to empowerment led her to Australia through an Australia Awards Short Course Award, where she completed a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation in 2018. The qualification gave her not just technical knowledge, but credibility and influence. Her studies also exposed her to cooperatives, a member-owned business model that often works in retail supply, utilities, agricultural and fish produce, childcare, farmers’ markets and community service.
“I chose to study entrepreneurship because I believe in the power of innovative business solutions to address social and economic challenges,” Martha shares. “Growing up in Papua New Guinea, I saw firsthand the potential for small businesses to transform communities, create jobs, and drive sustainable development.”
Armed with new skills in business planning, leadership, and financial management, Martha returned home with a mission: to empower rural families, especially women, to become economically independent. She now leads six social enterprises in Morobe Province that support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.
“My studies have had a profound impact on both my life and career,” she says. “Academically, they equipped me with essential skills in business planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership. Professionally, they provided me with the confidence and capability to establish and manage six social enterprises dedicated to empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices in Morobe Province. Personally, my education broadened my perspective, connected me with a global network of like-minded individuals, and inspired me to continuously seek innovative solutions for the challenges faced by my community.”
Martha’s model fosters collaboration, resilience, and local leadership. She teaches local farmers how to start and manage businesses, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to provide for their families and lead in their communities. Her approach is not just about economic gains, but about long-term empowerment as well.
She believes independence is the ability to make informed decisions and to take action leading to sustainable development and improved quality of life. It’s also about having the freedom and resources to pursue one’s goals, the resilience to overcome challenges, and being empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
“I believe that my scholarship, along with other Australian scholarships, have significantly contributed to PNG’s journey towards independence. By investing in education and capacity-building, these scholarships empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive positive change within their communities and industries,” she states. “Graduates return to PNG equipped to take on leadership roles, start businesses, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. This collective impact fosters a more self-reliant and resilient nation.”
Martha Raka is not just creating businesses—she’s building a movement of empowered and thriving communities, and a stronger Papua New Guinea.