Enga Province’s Delsie Casper Nick, a tireless advocate for women, girls and persons with disabilities, has been named the winner of the Not-for-Profit Award at the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards, recognising her transformative work empowering marginalised communities through education, inclusion and care.
Founder of the Kun Women Association Inc. and Sirunki Disability and Marginalised Community Inc., Delsie has dedicated nearly two decades to improving lives across Enga Province. Inspired by her mother’s generosity and her own experiences growing up in a family affected by disability, she has worked since 2005 to dismantle barriers facing women and people living with disabilities, providing vital support ranging from sanitary products and school materials to mobility aids and counselling.
Through her organisations, Delsie has mentored young women affected by violence to complete their education and return to work. The Sirunki Disability Care Centre, meanwhile, has transformed lives by distributing wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility equipment that enable people with special needs to attend school and participate more fully in society. Her programmes address pressing social issues such as gender-based violence, access to education, and the systemic exclusion of persons with special needs.
“Delsie’s work exemplifies the spirit of the WOW Awards as a woman who sees needs in her community and creates lasting solutions,” said Westpac PNG Board Chairwoman Tamzin Wardley.
“Her dedication to building programmes that empower women and persons with disabilities, often using her own resources, demonstrates extraordinary leadership and compassion that is creating real change in Enga Province.”
Westpac Pacific Managing Director Emma Low also congratulated Delsie, saying that Westpac is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusive growth across the Pacific.
"We recognise the importance of local leadership in driving sustainable change. Delsie’s work is a testament to the impact of community-led initiatives in creating meaningful opportunities for women and their communities," Low said.
For his part, Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns highlighted the awards’ significance. The WOW Awards celebrate and amplify the voices of Papua New Guinean women who are building stronger, more inclusive communities.
"Delsie’s vision to establish a Community Hall and Disability Care Centre represents the kind of sustainable, community-led solution that helps any nation to grow. These awards shine a spotlight on changemakers like Delsie, inspiring others and demonstrating what’s possible when determination meets purpose," Cairns said.
Delsie’s vision extends well beyond her current achievements. She plans to build a Community Hall in Sirunki to serve as a training facility and safe house for women affected by sorcery accusations and violence. She also hopes to establish Papua New Guinea’s largest Disability Care Centre, offering comprehensive healthcare and education for persons with disabilities across the country.
“Every woman, girl and person with special needs deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals and live with dignity,” said Delsie Casper Nick.
“My paralytic brother plays guitar and inspires others despite his challenges. My cousin sister sews despite her disability. They show me every day that with the right support, everyone can contribute meaningfully to our communities. This award isn’t just mine. It belongs to every vulnerable person who continues to fight for their place in society.”
Delsie’s inspiring journey stands as a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance. Her leadership has brought tangible improvements to countless lives across Enga Province and continues to set a powerful example for inclusive development and community-driven progress in Papua New Guinea.
