The Friendly Home Bilum Festival is a special event that empowers women by letting them show off their bilum weaving skills. These bilum bags are traditional woven items with cultural importance. At the festival, women can display their creations, learn new techniques, and get advice on turning their craft into a business.

The event also includes cultural performances, storytelling, and market stalls where people can buy handmade items. The festival helps women earn money, gain recognition for their skills, and keep traditional weaving techniques alive.

The festival was hosted on the 17th of August 2024 at the Wamp Nga Secondary School in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

Presented at the event were Mr. Richard Lazarus, Executive Manager of Commerce and Tourism Western Highlands Province representing Western Highlands Governor Hon.Wai Rapa, Mr. Eddie Paraka Marketing Manager of Digicel Mt. Hage, Mrs. Geno Alova Reuben (Events and Festival Manager NCC) representing the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission (NCC) Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, Mr. James Kewa, the Director of Friendly Home Lodge, Mrs. Julie Kewa, the chair lady of the Friendly Home Bilum Festival and other dignitaries.

Executive Manager of Commerce and Tourism in Western Highlands Mr. Richard Lazarus thanked Mr. and Mrs. Kewa for hosting the festival and bringing people together to celebrate the art of culture and bilum weaving.

He said, “The office of the governor was so happy to see people taking the initiative to create activities like this to keep our culture alive.”
The Western Highlands Provincial Administration committed K20,000 to the Friendly Home Bilum Festival in supporting the course of keeping the culture of bilum weaving alive.

Mr. Geno Alova Reuben said “, Celebrating the bilum festival, we are encouraging women and creating opportunities for them to showcase their talents, share their stories, and take on leadership roles to teach the young girls.

This festival highlights the strength and creativity of women, helping to ensure they are recognized and valued in all aspects of our cultural life. We believe that supporting this event does not only preserve our heritag, but it promotes gender equality and empowerment. When you see a bilum, you are looking at the hard work and tapestry of a woman.”

National Cultural Commission Presented a cheque of K5000 to support and help enhance the festival and ensure that it continued to thrive.