A Meeting of Purpose: Elizabeth Duna and Montville Coffee Team discuss

Elizabeth Duna hails from the far Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, a remote region where eight tribes, totalling 3,600 members, collaborate under one Fairtrade Organic Certified Cooperative. Born and raised amidst the small-scale coffee farming families of her community, Elizabeth was always close to the soil and the dreams of those who cultivated it. But she wasn’t just a bystander – she was a trailblazer.

As one of the founding members of the cooperative, Elizabeth initially pursued her dream of becoming a schoolteacher, leaving her childhood home to chase that goal. However, upon returning to her community, she realised a new call to action. Her people needed strong leadership to maintain Fairtrade standards, which would lead to better incomes, increased Fairtrade premiums, and improved coffee quality – ultimately elevating the community’s future.

Despite the deep-rooted traditions of her tribe, where women are rarely seen in positions of power, Elizabeth’s tribe believed she was the right person to lead. They encouraged her to stand for election as Chairwoman during the cooperative’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), a role that no woman in Papua New Guinea’s coffee-growing history had ever held.

A groundbreaking election

At the AGM, Elizabeth found herself standing against a prominent local businessman, the traditional favourite to win. It was widely expected that he would claim the role, but Elizabeth had something more – an unshakable vision for her people’s future. In front of her entire community, she shared her dreams of a thriving, empowered coffee industry that would not only improve lives but also uphold Fairtrade standards to attract greater demand and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

When the votes were counted, history was made. Elizabeth was voted in as the first female chairperson of a coffee-growing community in Papua New Guinea.

But the moment of triumph quickly turned turbulent. Many were shocked – how could a woman be chosen for such a high position? Arguments erupted, and the tribes initially dismissed the vote. Elizabeth recalls how chaos broke out, as the notion of a female leader was simply too radical for many to accept. In an attempt to restore order, the cooperative decided to hold a second vote.

Once again, the results were clear: Elizabeth Duna was re-elected as Chairwoman. This time, when the announcement was made, the community erupted in applause. It was a moment of profound social change, a signal that a new vision and a new era of leadership had begun. Under Elizabeth’s guidance, the tribes were ready to band together and fulfill their promise of collaboration and progress.

A vision for the future

When Elizabeth met with the Montville Coffee team, she spoke not only of her community’s challenges but also of the remarkable journey they had undertaken. “We are not just growing coffee; we are growing hope,” she said, reflecting on the impact of Fairtrade on her people’s lives. Fairtrade had brought fair prices, improved infrastructure, and empowered women in ways that had once seemed impossible.

Montville Coffee, a partner that shares her commitment to ethical trade, was inspired by Elizabeth’s leadership and resilience. The meeting solidified a shared vision – one where sustainable coffee production and fair practices lift entire communities out of poverty while preserving cultural heritage.

As the first female Chairwoman in PNG’s coffee-growing history, Elizabeth continues to pave the way for future generations of farmers, ensuring that her community not only survives but thrives in the global market. With strong partnerships, like the one with Montville Coffee, and the power of Fairtrade behind her, Elizabeth knows her community is ready for whatever challenges come next.