Lily’s first issue of 2022 (June release) is themed around the upcoming PNG National Election, in particular some of the outstanding female candidates who have stepped forward for the fight of their political lives – trying to break into our all-male Parliament. 
With this issue we set out to help you get to know some of them in the hope you will take a chance on them come voting day: Tania Bale, Michelle Hau’ofa and Kessy Sawang are on the front cover and give us some of their thoughts and also smashing corporate and evening-wear looks fit for a political leader in the seven-page ‘Power Looks for Power Meris’ fashion spread; Dulciana Somare-Brash gives some insights about growing up a Somare in Lily Chats; former PNG Greens leader Dorothy Tekwie – taking her fourth run at political office at 65 – shares some fascinating stories in My Favourite Things; we learn how PNG’s first female gold buyer Ori Bessie Tade – who is contesting Markham Open – got her start in My Story; Nepolian Rema talks about campaigning for his Southern Highlands wantok Ruth Undi in ManTalk; and in our feature article we talk to top-scoring returning candidates Rufina Peter, Jean Eparo Parkop, Jennifer Baing-Waiko, Lucy Siki Aiya and more, along with trailblazers such as Dame Carol Kidu and Maria Hayes, about what’s at stake, the issues, the risks, the struggles and the fighting spirit required.
This issue also is a celebration of creativity. The most innovative products being created by PNG micro-businesses are revealed at the conclusion of ‘HOMEMADE’, Lily’s largest and richest competition yet thanks to over K10,000 in cash prizes from generous partners, while 50 of the best entries – from coconut fibre earrings and starfruit jam to bilum booties and organic fertiliser – are showcased in a nine-page ‘Handmade with Love’ Shopping Guide.
The winning stories of the #MyHero competition are also inside, makeup tips for night and day from Jemma Yai Pupu, a wrapup of the first PNG Fashion Awards, and much more.