Maigao

For more than three years, Maigao Nigo has worked as the Programme Quality Officer for the FLOW project in Papua New Guinea. Her role takes her to rural schools and communities where essential services like clean water, safe sanitation and menstrual hygiene support have long been limited. Much of her work focuses on improving the wellbeing and dignity of women and girls, who often face heavy workloads and restricted access to basic needs.

One of the biggest challenges she sees is the lack of menstrual products and education. “Girls in rural communities don’t have access to sanitary pads,” she explains. Through the FLOW project, schools receive reusable pads along with sessions that teach girls about menstrual hygiene, body changes and how to manage their periods safely. Many girls who once missed school because they felt unprepared or embarrassed are now able to attend classes more confidently.

Improving access to water is another cornerstone of the FLOW project. Before the project began, women and girls often walked two to three kilometres to collect water. After returning from school, girls faced additional responsibilities that left little time for study or rest. The installation of gravity-fed water systems changed this dramatically. Families now have water available in their communities, relieving girls and mothers of hours of physical labour. “Instead of women and girls going out to collect water, they had free time to do other things,” Maigao says. Mothers can focus on income-generating work, and girls have more time for schoolwork and social activities.

A significant part of Maigao’s work involves helping normalise conversations about menstruation. She remembers the first time she spoke openly about menstrual hygiene in a public assembly, surrounded by students, teachers and community members. It was challenging at first, but she knew it mattered. Over time, she has seen growing confidence among girls and more understanding from boys, men and fathers about the importance of supporting girls during their periods.

Working in rural areas requires patience and adaptability. Travel can be long and difficult, and cultural obligations or weather can affect plans. Despite these challenges, Maigao has seen strong commitment from the communities she works with. With reliable water access, families have started growing vegetables, raising poultry and developing small livelihoods that were once impossible during long dry seasons.

For Maigao, the FLOW project is about more than infrastructure. It is about giving women and girls dignity, safety and the opportunity to shape their futures. She hopes that the changes brought by the project will last for generations and help create communities where girls grow up with confidence and greater choice.