Sea Women of Melanesia Inc.

Sea Women of Melanesia Inc. (SWoM) is an Indigenous women-led organization in Papua New Guinea that empowers local women to lead marine conservation by blending traditional knowledge with modern science and technology. Since 2018, SWoM has trained over 50 Indigenous women in reef monitoring, marine science, and leadership, enabling them to manage Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) across 1,500 hectares of biodiverse coral reef habitat. Their efforts have restored ecosystems, formalized marine reserves, and involved more than 3,000 community members. By placing women at the forefront of conservation, conducting reef surveys, steering boats, and advocating for policy, SWoM is transforming gender norms, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing sustainable fisheries in over 15 villages. Recognized by the UN and Whitley Awards, SWoM is redefining global standards for inclusive, community-driven marine protection.