2024-2026 Executives
President: Ruth Kissam-Tindiwi
Secretary: Margaret Aila
Treasurer: Doreka Dai
Board has included Hanua Hisiu and Janet Mbuda as Board Members with vacancy for 3 additional Board Members.
Board Executives
President – Ruth Kissam-Tindiwi
Ruth is a respected leader with extensive experience in human rights advocacy, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, development initiatives and the equal participation of women in governance and policy development. She is renown for her work through PNG Tribal Foundation spearheading impactful programs such as the Senisim Pasin Campaign and the Kasen Village of Hope, a refuge for victims of sorcery accusations-related violence.
A fellow of the Obama Foundation, Draper Hills at Stanford University, and the U.S. State Department’s Community Solutions Program, she brings a wealth of leadership, policy, and governance expertise.
With a vision to expand Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network (APNG:WLN) into a leading women’s organization nationwide, she is passionate and dedicated about transformative leadership and leverages her deep understanding of PNG’s communities to drive solutions from the ground up.
She participated in GWIM 64.
Secretary – Margaret Aila
Margaret Aila is a dedicated leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in women’s empowerment, coordinating business training events and community engagement. She has held key leadership roles in various entities including Business Professional Women’s Network (BPW) and the Women’s Business Resource Centre.
Through her business, “Color and Style”, she gives advise on personal grooming and dress. She is passionate about social impact to support orphaned women in low socioeconomic communities, empowering them with literacy and self-reliance skills.
Margaret attended GWIM 64
Treasurer – Doreka Dai
Doreka is a diligent financial and organizational leader with a strong background in finance, supervision, and livelihood development.
As a skilled trainer and mentor, she has empowered communities by training TOTs in advanced tailoring, bringing sustainable skills communities.
In her role as Treasurer of APNG:WLN, Doreka is committed to ensuring that funds are strategically allocated to drive meaningful impact for member organizations and communities. She envisions the network evolving into a thriving social enterprise, supporting women’s empowerment and sustainability.
Doreka participated in GWIM 61
Board Members
Board Member – Hanua Hisiu
Hanua is the Procurement & Logistics Advisor with the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership, bringing over 20 years of experience in the extractive industry, specializing in supply chain management.
She is deeply committed to community development and has actively engaged in leadership roles within her church and local organizations.
As one of the founding members of Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN), Hanua played a vital role in its early development, generously offering her home and space for initial discussions and planning.
Her leadership and commitment continue to inspire and support women in leadership and community development.
She attended GWIM 57 and Alumni Coaching in 2013.
Board Member – Janet Mbuda
Janet is an experienced educator with over 29 years of teaching and a respected community leader.
She has served as Secretary of the Komo Women Association and collaborated with district churches to organize women’s training in poultry raising, cooking, sewing, and gardening.
Janet played a key role in Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN), serving two board terms as Head of Communications & Partnerships and later as Vice Chairperson.
Her leadership is deeply rooted in faith, and she offers guidance through prayer and biblical wisdom, providing strength and direction to the board.
She attended GWIM 61.