Porgera, Enga Province: Reigning Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Iampela Popena joined women from local communities and the Porgera mine workforce to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), bringing a message of leadership, empowerment and equal opportunity.
Popena arrived in Porgera on March 7, 2026, accompanied by Anna Bais, chairlady of the Miss Bird of Paradise organisation, which supports young Papua New Guinean women participating in the Miss Pacific Islands pageant. Both organisations promote women’s leadership while highlighting intelligence, cultural identity and community engagement.
During the visit, Popena and Bais toured the Porgera mine operated by New Porgera Limited (NPL). Guided by NPL employees, the pair viewed the scale of the mining operation through a helicopter tour over the site and visits to key operational and administrative areas.
Popena also joined one of the mine’s female truck operators, Sharon Umange, in the cab of one of the world’s largest haulage trucks, giving her a close look at daily operations at the mine.
Prior to the site tour, Popena attended the launch of the NPL Women’s Community Development Committee, where she served as guest of honour. The initiative, organised by NPL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department, aims to strengthen families and communities in the Porgera–Paiela district through the leadership of local women.
The launch event, held as part of IWD celebrations, was attended by NPL General Manager James McTiernan, Sustainability Manager Fiorenzo Guarino, mine employees and community representatives, including Tawa Kina, president of the Porgera Rural Local Level Government.
In her keynote address, Popena encouraged women to seize opportunities and use their talents to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
“Women are strong. Families are strong because of women. Now, they are stepping into businesses, stepping into leadership. I’d like to commend you all for stepping out to be a voice of your people in the communities. Thank you also to the men for your support,” she said.
Popena also shared her journey through the Miss Bird of Paradise PNG pageant, describing it as a platform that nurtures emerging female leaders.
She urged communities to continue supporting both young women and men, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in national development.
The visit of Popena — the youngest entrant to hold the Miss Bird of Paradise title — and Bais, a former secretary of Papua New Guinea’s Department of Community Affairs and Religion, added energy to the celebrations.
Their presence reinforced the importance of women’s empowerment, leadership and active participation in community and national development.
