Foot soldiers for survival

The women of Arfak mountain in Papua persevere with their lives despite the harsh living conditions of their surroundings.

Along with their husbands and children, the women play an important role in their communities, which depend on farming, hunting and gathering in the forests for their livelihood.

Although required to walk for up to two to three days from their village to the Manokwari market some 25 km away, it is no deterrent for the women in selling their wares.

With a smile on their faces, and children on their backs, they walk on to continue to support their community.

-- Text and photos by P.J.Leo