Congratulations to Ms Stella Ipang on receiving two prestigious honours at the recent Westpac Outstanding Women Awards in Port Moresby.
Ms Ipang received the Private Sector Award, before being named the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Woman of the Year.
Ms Ipang is the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Specialist with the Accelerated Immunisation and Health Systems Strengthening Program, Phase 2 (AIHSS2).
Supported by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, AIHSS2 works with Papua New Guinea’s national and provincial health authorities to strengthen immunisation systems and improve access to life-saving vaccines.
The awards recognise Ms Ipang’s leadership in advancing gender equality, disability and social inclusion across PNG’s health and immunisation systems.
Through her work, Ms Ipang has helped strengthen inclusive approaches to immunisation, supporting efforts to reach children and communities experiencing geographic, social and institutional barriers.
Her contributions include developing the EmpowerMe Puzzle, a practical tool for building inclusion capabilities, and locally tailored GEDSI Scorecards that support Provincial Health Authorities to assess, monitor and improve the integration of inclusion principles into health systems and services.
“Women in the private sector play major roles in making sure we deliver outcomes and results,” Ms Ipang said.
“Together, we are ensuring that vital immunisation services remain inclusive and accessible to all. This is the greatest and best hour of my life.” She added.
Ms Ipang dedicated the awards to women working behind the scenes, as well as her mother, children and late father.
She also acknowledged her work colleagues, the National Department of Health, the Department of Personnel Management and the Provincial Health Authorities working to advance health equity across PNG.
“Imagine how PNG will look if we all hold hands and create safe spaces for everyone,” she said.
The Westpac Outstanding Women Awards celebrate Papua New Guinean women whose leadership, innovation and commitment are contributing to meaningful change across industries and communities.
Ms Ipang’s leadership demonstrates the enduring impact of investing in PNG expertise to drive locally led solutions.
Australia is committed to supporting local leaders and change makers like Ms Ipang.
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Ms Stella Ipang delivering remarks after accepting the award.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100