THE Bringing together leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across Papua New Guinea, the PNG Women Lead Annual Learning and Reflection Workshop 2026 in Port Moresby reinforced a shared commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
Under the theme “Forward Together: National Commitments to Proven Change for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in PNG,” the four-day workshop brought together representatives from government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. Participants reflected on progress, shared lessons from locally led initiatives, and identified practical priorities to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The workshop created a collaborative platform to connect national policy with community-level impact. Discussions focused on what is working, where challenges remain, and how stronger partnerships can deliver more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
The PNG Women Lead (PNGWL) program is a five-year, AUD 55 million initiative supporting women and girls in all their diversity to live safely and equitably share in resources, opportunities, and decision-making alongside men and boys. It is an Australian Government investment delivered in close partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and civil society organisations.
Opening the workshop, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Community Development and Religion, Mr Jack Simbou, highlighted the importance of aligning policy and practice.
“This workshop is more than just a meeting – it is a space for alignment, learning, and collective action. It brings together national priorities, partner experiences, and evidence to guide the way forward,” Mr Simbou said.
Participants engaged in sessions on national priorities, partner innovation, and practical skills, including gender-based violence data management, disability-inclusive data collection, and cross-sectoral approaches to women’s economic empowerment.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Ms Elizabeth Le Bas emphasised the value of collaboration and learning.
“The discussions and insights shared demonstrate the importance of working together to achieve better outcomes for women and girls in PNG,” she said.
She also welcomed the launch of PNG’s National Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy and National Gender-Based Violence Strategy.
The workshop concluded with partners agreeing on priorities for the year ahead, reinforcing a shared commitment to translating national commitments into meaningful change.