Receiving and Giving Mercy in Barawagi Women’s Prison, Papua New Guinea

A reflection by Sr Sally Bradley RSM, Mercy Works Executive Director, following a recent visit to Barawagi Women’s Prison in Papua New Guinea.

I have visited prisons in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea several times, and each visit has been deeply moving. It is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and of the call to mercy at the heart of our mission. In PNG, Mercy Works has remained faithful in its outreach to prisoners, particularly to women whose lives are often marked by hardship and limited opportunities.

Recently, with Andrew Lowry, Mercy Works’ Head of Programs, I had the privilege of visiting Barawagi Women’s Prison, part of the Barawagi Correctional Centre in Simbu Province. Nestled among the beautiful green mountains outside Kundiawa town, the prison is surrounded by high fences with grey concrete buildings. Yet what we encountered inside was warmth and hospitality. Sr Theresia Boyek RSM leads a small team, together with Sr Agnes Lisban Namba (Holy Spirit Congregation), who visit the prison weekly. This is the third year of Mercy Works’ involvement, and each year there has been a growing sense of mutual trust.

Gathered outside in the sunshine, we were warmly welcomed with song. The women’s voices carried across the prison grounds with beauty and strength. We were welcomed by Inspector Mino, the Acting Commander of the prison. The prison houses some 276 prisoners across the men’s and women’s sections. Currently there are 35 women in the women’s section: 16 women on remand and 19 serving prison sentences. Inspector Paul, who heads up the rehabilitation program, commented on how they depend on not-for-profit organisations like Mercy Works to provide rehabilitation services that are not provided by the government. One of the women inmates stated that through awareness training she had learned how to avoid and deter violence, stating, “Without violence we will produce a good home life.”

Sr Theresia recently shared words with me via text that capture the spirit of this ministry:

The women proudly showed us the skills they have developed through sewing, creating colourful meri blouses (‘meri’ means woman in Tok Pisin), sheets, and pillowcases. They also spoke enthusiastically about making peanut butter, a project that gives them practical skills and confidence. Staff members spoke with pride about the women’s achievements and preparations for a market stall at the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

Like many Pacific nations, Papua New Guinea has recently been affected by prolonged drought conditions, now intensified by El Niño. During our visit, the prison’s water tanks were empty, and some of the women were being taken daily to collect water in buckets from a distant river.

The lack of clean water for drinking and washing was causing significant hardship. Our hearts were deeply moved by their situation. On our journey back to Mt Hagen Airport, we purchased several large jerrycans for the prison. Our driver dropped these off to the women’s prison on the way back. It was a small gesture of solidarity. We are in discussion about ways Mercy Works might fund further support should additional water supplies become available.

One might expect a women’s prison to be a place marked only by loss and harshness. Instead, we encountered generosity, resilience, and hope. We witnessed women striving to rebuild their lives, staff committed to nurturing dignity, and a community where compassion is helping to create new possibilities.

We left Barawagi humbled and grateful. We arrived hoping to offer mercy, yet we found ourselves receiving it as well. Through the kindness of the women and staff, we were reminded that mercy is never one-sided. It is a gift exchanged between people, affirming the human dignity and hope that belong to every person.

Sr Sally Bradley RSM
Mercy Works Executive Director