Port Moresby, 17 July 2025 - Westpac PNG is proud to announce the 21 finalists for the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOW), a prestigious initiative that celebrates the remarkable achievements of women driving progress and transformation across Papua New Guinea.
Initiated in 2002 and relaunched this year, the WOW Awards continue to honour women who are not only leaders but also trailblazers setting new standards of excellence, innovation and impact. This year’s finalists were selected from more than 150 applications nationwide, representing distinction across seven categories: Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Sports and Arts, Public Sector, Private Sector, Young Achiever and Not-for-Profit.
The finalists by category include:
Entrepreneurship: Annette Sete, Violet Bukon, Agnes Mial Tia
Sustainability: Theonila Roka Matbob, Anne Shirley Korave, Jennifer Baing
Sports and Arts: Rutha-Meu Omenefa, Martha Aaron, Cecilia Kanawi
Public Sector: Dr Janet Rangou, Dr Pamela Toliman, Jenny Kone
Private Sector: Anita Mosby, Raka Numa Raula, Samania Ned
Young Achiever: Julie Rereve, Chelsea Paspalau, Rebecca Ruga Gima
Not-for-Profit: Ruth Injo, Delsie Casper Nick, Dr Rebecca Williams
Each finalist has demonstrated exceptional contributions in her field and their stories reflect the resilience, ingenuity and leadership that define the spirit of PNG’s women.
Tamzin Wardley, chairwoman of the Westpac PNG Board, said, “These awards are more than a celebration — they are a platform for progress. The stories of our finalists are powerful examples of what happens when women lead with purpose and courage.”
The winners of each category will receive a PGK 5,000 grant and a year-long mentorship with Westpac designed to support their personal and professional development.
Emma Low, managing director for Westpac Pacific, said, “The WOW Awards are more than a moment of recognition — they are a celebration of the outstanding contributions of women, a catalyst for opportunity and an inspiration for the next generation of female leaders in PNG. I was truly impressed by both the high volume and exceptional quality of this year’s nominations and I’m proud that our 21 finalists represent a broad geographic spread from across the country.”
Andrew Cairns, Westpac PNG chief executive, said, “The work of these women is shaping industries, uplifting communities and inspiring future generations. The WOW Awards are our way of recognising and investing in their continued success.”
The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 26 July 2025, in Port Moresby, where winners from each category will be announced, along with the Overall 2025 WOW Award Winner — a woman whose leadership and impact stand out across all categories.
Join us in celebrating these extraordinary women and their contributions to Papua New Guinea’s growth and future.
The WOW Awards are a cornerstone of Westpac PNG’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive growth. Through this platform, Westpac continues to champion the role of women in building a stronger, more resilient Papua New Guinea.
