Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network Inc.?
The Advancing PNG: Women Leaders’ Network (APNG WLN) is a legally registered Association formed by a network of indigenous Papua New Guinea (PNG) Women who have gone through the Global Women in Management (GWIM) Program. Women who complete this training are referred to as Alumni of the Global Women in management or GWIM program.
These alumni across PNG make up the organisation which is managed by a secretariat based in Port Moresby.
Who we are and what we do?
APNG WLN is a network of women leaders spanning Papua New Guinea’s four regions: the Highlands, Islands, Momase, and Southern Region. With the current 70 alumni members, our network brings together professionals and entrepreneurs who contribute to economic development, business innovation, and leadership across various industries.
Our members actively lead and support business ventures, from small enterprises to formal organizations, fostering financial independence and economic resilience in their communities. Many are engaged in sectors such as microfinance, agribusiness, trade, social enterprises, and corporate leadership, using their expertise to build sustainable livelihoods and create employment opportunities.
APNG WLN assists these business-focused initiatives by providing strategic guidance, access to resources, and support with formal registration and compliance. Some organizations are fully registered, while others are in the process or operate informally. Regardless of their status, the network works to ensure that women-led businesses receive the backing they need to expand, access markets, and strengthen their long-term sustainability.
Background
APNG- WLN is an organization formed by the alumni of GWIM in PNG on the 13th of January 2014 and registered as an association with Investment Promotion Authority under the name Advancing PNG: Women Leaders Network on the 18th of July, 2014. APNG: WLN is also referred to as the network.
It is legally bound with a constitution and has a bank account which it operates on.
The Network’s secretariat is managed by an Finance and Administration Office and a Programme Coordinator who in the absence of an Executive Director reports to the Board Chair of the Network.
Members of this Network are women who have gone through a 4 week training on Leadership and Management training workshop either in PNG, Jakarta or Washington DC and graduate as an Alumni of the Global Women in Management Program since 2006.
The Global Women in Management strengthens women’s management, leadership and technical skills to enhance and bring to scale programs that advance women’s economic opportunities and build the next generation of women business leaders and entrepreneurs.
GWIM leverages PLAN 36-year history of women’s leadership programs and responds to the call for interventions that advance women in the economy and give women greater control over economic resources to impact the health and development of their families, communities and nations.