about grass skirt project

Meet our Team

Grass Skirt Project (GSP) pioneers social change in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by harnessing the unifying power of sports to address gender-based violence and promote equality. Established with the vision that every individual deserves to thrive, GSP aims to grow 1 million leaders by 2050, grounded in the values of Courage, Trust, Integrity, Innovation and Tenacity. We work alongside communities to build a culture of respect and equality, making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable PNG.

what we do
‍
sport that builds equality

The Grass Skirt Project (GSP) tackles severe gender inequality and violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by uniting sport and gender justice. GymBox and 10 Million Strong give young people the space, skills and support to lead respectful lives. We aim to achieve tangible outcomes, such as heightened gender justice awareness, improved health, and reduced gender-based violence. By engaging men and boys as allies, we foster a more inclusive and equitable PNG.

our mission

Empawa 1 million leaders by 2050 through sports, cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets in the community for a stronger and equitable PNG to be part of a winning team.

our vision

Every person in PNG has the right to belong, contribute and grow.

our values

courage
Trust
Integrity
Innovation
Tenacity

the founder's story

Discover the driving force behind Grass Skirt Project and why it was founded by Tahina Booth.

PRESS RELEASE: Forecast Social Return on Investment for PNG Communities

Grass Skirt Project has released a forecast Social Return on Investment (SROI) for its youth, sport and community health programs. The forecast is 7.9:1 at program level and 6.0:1 with all organisational costs included, for 2026 to 2030, with a sensitivity range of 4.8:1 to 10.3:1. The report was prepared by Dr Alex Richmond and Jimmy Schneidewind, and the methodology was independently reviewed by Dr Anne-Maree Dowd of Tractuum Pty Ltd. These figures are forecasts, not measured results. The full SROI Report and Executive Summary are available below.

meet our
operations team

Our team consists of a group of passionate & compassionate people that all resonate with the Grass Skirt Project values.

Founder & Managing Director

Tahina Booth

Tahina's leadership at GSP focuses on key programs like the Hevea Cup & Wellness Expo, Gymbox, and the 10 Million Strong Leadership Program.

General Manager

Keesha Morikei Booth

Keesha strategically oversees Business Development for Gymbox, 10 Million Strong and Hevea Cup in Papua New Guinea.

Operations Coordinator

Alisha Lavaki

Alisha ensures everything that matters actually happens.

meet our
board and secretary

Our board brings not-for-profit and legal expertise. Our next directors will bring audit and risk, and finance. Director recruitment opens in 2027.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE
Secretary (non-voting)

Donna Spethman

Donna Spethman is an experienced sports executive with 25+ years experience at a regional, national and international level.

Director

Emma Minimbi

One of my objectives as a Pro Bono Consultant with Ashurst is to be an advocate in rural communities in Papua New Guinea working to eradicate Gender Based Violence.

Chairperson

Bronwyn Wright

Bronwyn has worked closely with the Grass Skirt Project for a number of years to advance their programs and enhance their profile.

meet our
advisory Members

GBV & Law Expert

Signe Dalsgaard

Signe brings knowledge of gender research, plus strategic and project management to the team.

Financial Expert

Robin Fleming

I was awarded the Companion of the Star of Melanesia in 2015 for services to banking in Papua New Guinea.

Co-Founder

Dr. Sofia Bartlett

Sofia is the Co-Founder of Grass Skirt Project and a Non-Executive Director.

Thank you to
our Partners

our visionary partner
Sir Brian Bell Foundation
our gold partners
Budget Car Rentals and The Sanctuary
our Public Relations Partner
Vu COnsulting
Thank you to our past and present Partners & Sponsors.
WE'D LOVE YOUR SUPPORT

BECOME A PARTNER

CONTACT USdonate

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country internationally, & their continuing connection to culture, community, land, sea & sky. We pay our respects to their cultures & Elders - past, present & emerging.

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