Westpac PNG has partnered with 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA) Overall Winner Anne-Shirley Korave and her organization, Queenpads, to donate 80 reusable menstrual hygiene packs to Haus Ruth, a safe house in Port Moresby supporting survivors of gender-based violence and their children.
The donation was delivered as part of a community support session at Haus Ruth, including an education session led by Anne-Shirley with survivors and staff, the handover of Queenpads packs, and a practical financial literacy session delivered by Westpac PNG.
Haus Ruth, run by City Mission PNG, provides meals, accommodation and essential support for survivors of gender-based violence and their children. The donation recognizes that access to menstrual hygiene products is a practical need that can affect dignity, confidence, wellbeing and participation in daily life.
Westpac PNG chief executive Andrew Cairns said the initiative reflected the purpose of the WOW Awards by extending support beyond recognition and into practical community action.
“The WOW Awards are about backing women who are already making a difference in their communities,” Mr Cairns said. “Through this donation to Haus Ruth, we are proud to support Anne-Shirley and Queenpads in responding to a real community need. This initiative brings together practical support, education and financial literacy in a way that recognizes the dignity and wellbeing of women and girls.”
Anne-Shirley Korave, 2025 WOWA Overall Winner and founder of Queenpads, said improving access to menstrual hygiene products was an important part of supporting women and girls.
“When women and girls have access to the products and support they need, it helps protect dignity, build confidence and support wellbeing,” Ms Korave said. “We are grateful to partner with Westpac PNG to provide these packs to Haus Ruth and to spend time with survivors and staff through an education session that responds to a practical need.”
As part of the visit, Westpac PNG also delivered free, practical financial literacy training for Haus Ruth staff and survivors, supporting financial confidence and capability alongside health and wellbeing outcomes.
Through the WOW Awards and partnerships with women-led organizations such as Queenpads, Westpac PNG continues to champion women leaders and contribute to practical initiatives that create positive social impacts across Papua New Guinea.
