I am deeply grateful to the European Union, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), and STREIT PNG Program, as my initial sources of empowerment under the Vanilla Value Chain and Gender Inclusion Program.
Their support laid the foundation for my leadership journey, enabling me to grow and eventually participate in the Global Women in Management (GWIM 74) Program.
I also extend my greatest appreciation to Counterpart International, Advancing PNG Women Leaders Network and my major sponsor, ExxonMobil, for making my participation in GWIM 74 possible.
Their commitment to empowering women leaders across the world is truly transformative, and I am honored to have been part of this global initiative.
From September 16 to 24, 2024, I attended the GWIM courses in Washington, DC, and from September 25 to 30, I continued my journey in Nantucket, Massachusetts. This program not only strengthened my leadership skills but also connected me with influential women leaders from 13 different countries, allowing us to share our experiences, challenges, and successes in a space of mutual support and empowerment.
Key Takeaways from GWIM 74:
- Empowering a Woman Starts from Within
True empowerment is not just about providing opportunities—it begins with strengthening a woman’s inner confidence, resilience, and ability to lead with purpose. When a woman recognizes her own power, she becomes a force for change in her family, community, and beyond. - Leadership Requires Adaptability
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that as a leader, I must always be ready to shift and adapt. The world is constantly evolving, and effective leaders must embrace change, be open to learning, and adjust strategies to overcome new challenges. - From a Confident Leader to a Global Leader
Before GWIM, I already saw myself as a strong leader. However, this program has given me the confidence and perspective to step into the role of a world leader. I am now equipped with global connections, leadership skills, and the vision to make an impact not just in Papua New Guinea, but on an international scale.
Washington, DC (September 16–24): GWIM Courses and Pitching My Vanilla Product
During my time in Washington, DC, I attended intensive courses on gender equality, proposal writing, financial management, project management, and program design. While some topics were covered briefly, the deeper discussions revolved around gender issues and the systemic barriers women face worldwide.
One of the most powerful aspects of this experience was the sisterhood we built. Women from 13 different countries came together to share our successes, struggles, and dreams—sometimes with tears, but always with a shared sense of purpose. Many of us come from societies where women’s roles are still dictated by the need to please men, and through GWIM, we reaffirmed that a woman’s worth is not defined by societal expectations, but by her own vision and abilities.
We also examined how donor funding, investors, and partnerships can be leveraged to advance women’s empowerment. Organizations like Counterpart International play a crucial role in exposing, attracting, and inviting women to participate in economic and leadership opportunities. This reinforced my belief that collaboration is key—whether through donor support, investment, or strategic partnerships, working together strengthens the global movement for women’s empowerment.
A major highlight in Washington, DC, was my product pitch on vanilla. The opportunity to present my product to potential investors, buyers, and partners was a significant step in my mission to expand the global market for Papua New Guinea vanilla.
Through my pitch, I was not only able to showcase my product but also advocate for women farmers in the vanilla industry, emphasizing their role in sustainable agriculture and economic development. This experience reinforced the importance of finding strategic partners and investors who believe in women-led businesses.
Nantucket (September 25–30): Global Issues and Leadership at a High Level
The second part of my journey took me to Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, where we engaged in high-level discussions on global issues such as climate change, AI, STEM education, economic inequality, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Being in a space where the world’s most critical problems were analyzed alongside some of the wealthiest and most influential leaders was a powerful reminder that leadership goes beyond our local communities—it requires a global mindset.
The Nantucket experience was a chance to analyze complex global challenges and explore innovative solutions, reinforcing the idea that women leaders must be involved in shaping the world’s future.
The Journey Ahead:
As I complete my GWIM 74 journey, I return home with renewed energy, a global perspective, and a deeper commitment to empowering women through economic opportunities. I now understand that my leadership is not confined to Papua New Guinea—I am a world leader, ready to drive change on an international scale.
I am excited for the future, knowing that I have the tools, the network, and the vision to make a lasting impact—both in my country and beyond. This is just the beginning.
Applications for the next GWIM Program – GWIM 75 Now open! Apply Today!
