Leilani is a passionate youth advocate from East Sepik, Morobe and Central provinces in Papua New Guinea. 27-year-old Leilani is an unstoppable force, she is currently studying a law degree and is an aspiring accountant, model, entrepreneur and respected female advocate for menstrual health.
Among her major achievements is being a former Miss PNG contestant where she was awarded first runner-up in 2023. From walking the runway to managing models in her modelling agency side businesses, Leilani is an inspiration to young Papua New Guineans.
“Even before I got my first period, I would see the struggle through my late Mother’s eyes, as her and my Dad would get into a disagreement between prioritising groceries over pads, and this to me felt really sad. My Mum had to sacrifice putting the needs of her family before herself and that was devastating. That is what I experienced even before I got my first period.”
— Leilani Konjib
“Even before I got my first period, I would see the struggle through my late Mother’s eyes, as her and my Dad would get into a disagreement between prioritising groceries over pads, and this to me felt really sad. My Mum had to sacrifice putting the needs of her family before herself and that was devastating. That is what I experienced even before I got my first period.”
— Leilani Konjib
“Campaigns like this are really important because it stops things from being a secret. It has been a privilege and humbling to hear Leilani’s story, it was very intimate and personal and it must have taken a lot of courage to share it on a much larger scale. It really reminded me of my own privilege and that the reality of menstruation for many women and girls around the world is challenging. I certainly learnt something from listening to the story and I hope that people who view this video will also take away the importance of normalising these conversations.”
Kalolaine Fainu | Videographer
QueenPads is a locally owned social and green enterprise established in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in 2018. QueenPads goal is to address the silent menstrual challenges faced by thousands of menstruating women in the country.
With a dedicated team of nine full-time women, QueenPads focusses on the production and distribution of eco-friendly reusable menstrual products, education and advocacy programmes. Their locally designed menstrual pads are available nationwide and through the SupportHER donation programme pads are donated to vulnerable and marginalised women and girls.
Since Queenpads was established, the awareness team has reached over 30,000+ individuals and distributed products in 19 provinces, ensuring menstrual health information reaches women, school girls, and men in both urban and rural locations, and acts as an opportunity to distribute pads to those that need them.
“Caring for your special days” is at the heart of QueenPads mission to ensure menstrual equity and to eliminate period stigma.
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