Frieda River Limited has joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 under the Australia-Pacific theme “Balance the Scales.”
Operating in one of Papua New Guinea’s most remote and disadvantaged regions, FRL recognises the vital contributions women make across its operations footprint and within its project communities.
Yet around the world, women and girls continue to face barriers to personal safety and wellbeing, economic participation and leadership. Achieving balance requires deliberate collective action from institutions, businesses, communities and individuals. At FRL, we remain committed to doing our part, as people — regardless of gender — are at the heart of our business.
This year’s theme, Balance the Scales, is especially meaningful for the PanAust Group. FRL’s parent company is led by Ms Yuan He, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. With more than 20 years of financial and management experience across multiple sectors, her leadership exemplifies the impact and importance of women at the highest levels of decision-making.
Her role is a powerful reminder that gender balance is not only possible; it also drives stronger, more resilient organisations.
Project Director Phil McCormack reaffirmed FRL’s dedication to empowering women and working in genuine partnership with communities.
“Women are central to the strength of the Frieda River communities. Their leadership, vision and resilience are critical to the success of this project. By investing in education, infrastructure and opportunities for women, we are investing in the future of the Sepik region. Working together, we can make meaningful change a reality,” he said.
FRL Programmes Supporting Women and Inclusive Development
FRL delivers a suite of longstanding initiatives aimed at building capability, expanding opportunity and promoting inclusion for women in the Frieda River project area. These include:
• Adult Literacy Level 1 Training – equipping women with essential reading and writing skills.
• Financial Literacy and Governance Training – supporting women to build budgeting, banking and small business skills.
• Community Leadership Development – including representation in the Quarterly Community Leaders Forum, where women collaborate alongside community, district and national leaders.
• Family Livelihoods Support – including agriculture, small business and household welfare programmes and training to strengthen community resilience.
• Women’s Infrastructure Development – such as the newly completed Women’s Resource Centre at Ok Isai through the Public Investment Programme, offering a dedicated space for training, meetings and programme delivery.
These initiatives align with the broader PanAust commitment to gender equality, demonstrated through initiatives such as the Women in Extractives Programme, Village Birth Attendant training, and literacy and numeracy support across remote communities.
