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Social enterprise Among Equals has launched a pop-up exhibition and store in Rosebery, Sydney.

The space allows customers to view and purchase Bilum bags from Papua New Guinea.

Among Equals founder Caroline Sherman said 100% of profits go back to local weavers in the market.

"We partner with Bilum weaving communities to help bring their exquisite traditional bags to an international audience of design lovers, create viable income for the weavers and their families, and preserve a long-standing cultural practice.

Bilum bags are produced from wool or natural fibres, with prices starting at $220.

"Bilum have the power to transform lives," Sherman said.

"The PNG Highlands are spectacular and culturally rich. However, violence is endemic, there is no electricity or running water, poor housing, and limited healthcare and education.

"With income from Bilum, Among Equals has funded a safe house where the women come together, share stories, cook, weave and pass their weaving tradition to future generations."

Weaver Florence Jaukae Kamel confirmed this.

"The money from Among Equals to the Goroka Bilum weavers has enabled the women to pay for all the little girls to attend school.

"Your support has meant that we can pay for our healthcare, our traditional obligations and the things we need for our home. It has made a huge difference to us."

The exhibition is supported by the not for profit, event-based Sherman Centre for Culture and Ideas (SCCI).

It features an installation of large-format photographs of the women weavers at work.

It also features an eight minute documentary film, Among Equals – Transforming Lives, shot on location in Port Moresby and the Highlands of PNG by filmmaker Maximilian Homaei.

Bilum bags are available for purchase at Koskela, 1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery or online at amongequals.com.au.

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