The Australia Awards program is working with Papua New Guinea to strengthen women’s leadership and build a national network of professionals across key sectors.
The program’s Women in Leadership Short Course has brought together 30 leaders from across PNG, representing organisations from across the public, private and community sectors.
The four-week program strengthens leadership skills, supports the exchange of experiences, and builds professional networks across sectors and provinces.
By connecting leaders who may otherwise never meet, the course helps break silos between sectors and individuals, fostering relationships that promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing beyond the program.
The program also recognises the importance of tailoring support to individual needs and experiences, empowering participants to grow as leaders and better support their organisations, communities and the people they serve across PNG.
Through Australia Awards, the Australian Government is supporting inclusive leadership across PNG.
Bringing diverse voices into decision-making strengthens innovation, enhances problem-solving, and contributes to more resilient and inclusive communities and workplaces.
One of the participants, Miss Hadassah Kil, said one of the most valuable aspects of the course had been the opportunity to learn from participants with different experiences and perspectives.
“The course was very intense and I’ve learnt so much. I am big on creating inclusive environments for women and girls and the vulnerable population. In my line of work, I conduct sessions for women who are already in leadership and this course helped me to understand how I can better navigate having conversations at the leadership level to provide appropriate support.
“The knowledge and skills I have gained is not only beneficial for my organization but for my family as well as any future projects that I might have for my community,” said Miss Kil.
The Women in Leadership Short Course is part of Australia's broader investment in leadership, gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion through the PNG–Australia Partnership.
Five additional Short Courses will be delivered through to May 2027, bringing together leaders from across PNG to strengthen skills, share experiences and build connections across sectors.
ENDS
Australia Awards PNG GEDSI Women in Leadership cohort.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100