AUSTRALIA is supporting leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector of Papua New Guinea.
Nine executive members from the Papua New Guinea Women in Maritime Association (PNGWIMA) now have a new qualification, strengthening the association’s capacity to lead, govern and advocate for women across PNG’s maritime sector.
Through training, PNGWIMA’s executive team now have the skills to govern the association, support its members, finalise its constitution and drive initiatives that encourage more women to take up leadership roles in the maritime industry.
The Director Development Program, delivered by the PNG Institute of Directors, strengthened the executives’ skills in decision-making, risk management, governance and organisational leadership.
For Ruth Philip, PNG’s second female marine pilot, the training strengthened her understanding of leadership and decision-making.
“From an operational side, we deal with risk every day. This course helped me understand it at an organisational level.“It changed how I manage risk, not just for myself, but to look out for my colleagues as well.”
Women make up about 15 per cent of PNG’s maritime workforce but hold few senior positions.
In March this year, Australia supported the re-establishment of PNGWIMA, bringing together professionals from across the maritime sector to advance opportunities for women.
PNGWIMA President Ms Beverly Nelson said the training strengthened the executive team’s ability to support members.
“Through the association, we are looking at how we can encourage the participation of women in the maritime sector. This training helped our executives understand how we can better represent our members and create an inclusive space for women from different backgrounds to work together,” Ms Nelson said.
Ms Isabella Kila, who is helping review the association’s constitution, said the training would support future generations of women leaders.
“We are starting to see more women on boards and executive teams, and more people with disabilities included on merit, this training lays a strong foundation for those who come after us,” she said.
Australia is partnering with PNG to modernise port infrastructure, strengthen maritime safety and improve access to economic opportunities across the country.
PNGWIMA is now better placed to complete its constitution, support its members and encourage more women to take on leadership roles across the maritime industry.