Safe drinking water and sanitation is a fundamental human right and a key driver of gender equality.
In Western Province’s South Fly District, women are stepping into leadership and driving community development through ongoing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions supported by the PNG–Australia Partnership.
In this remote region, women and girls often walk kilometres for water, carrying containers weighing up to 30 kilograms. The time spent collecting water can limit education and economic participation. To help change this, women are taking leadership roles in District and Community WASH Committees.
This growing participation is helping women influence decision making and set community priorities for essential water and sanitation services. Stronger, more inclusive local governance has helped deliver Australian-funded water infrastructure across South Fly and Delta Fly, with more than 35,000 people now having better access to WASH services.
One of these women leaders is Peti Aia, a vocal, aspiring young leader from the remote river village of Wamorong in Oriomo-Bituri LLG. Ms Aia has been steadfast in advocating on issues affecting women and girls and promoting their rights. “Years ago, Wamorong faced many challenges. Access to clean water and proper sanitation was scarce, and many families relied on unsafe water sources,” she said.
Health and nutrition programs have improved the wellbeing of women and children, and better planning has supported reliable access to clean water. Hygiene awareness has helped communities adopt safer sanitation practices, improving public health. Safer latrines have improved dignity and security for women, while water harvesting systems support sustainable water use, agriculture and climate resilience.
Ms Aia added that the WASH projects are gradually shifting community attitudes and improving everyday interactions, especially between men and women. “Since the introduction of WASH initiatives, men and women now see each other as partners and equals. Our daughters and girls are inspired by this new environment and are taking their education more seriously, hoping they too can one day hold leadership roles,” she further added.
Across the region, climate-resilient boreholes, rainwater harvesting systems and rehabilitated infrastructure are improving water reliability. Communities report fewer dry-season shortages, shorter collection times and improved safety for women and children.
These activities have been delivered by World Vision, and implemented in close partnership with the South Fly and Delta Fly District Administrations and the Western Provincial Health Authority.
Through the PNG-Australia Partnership, Australia continues to support programs that strengthen inclusive governance, gender equality, social inclusion, community resilience and climate change adaptation—empowering marginalised communities and ensuring every voice is heard in decision making.
ENDS
A woman from Wamorong village collecting rainwater from a tank installed by development partner World Vision as part of the WASH Program.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100