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Beatrice Aristako is an inclusive education teacher who completed the Graduate Certificate in Disability Inclusion in 2022 at Queensland University of Technology, supported by Australia Awards PNG Short Course Awards. She is working to transform approaches to teaching to be more learner centred for children with disabilities in Bougainville to thrive in education.

Growing up, Natasha Kema never saw herself in the maritime industry. Today, she is the first marine engineer and seafarer in her family.

Respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of death in Papua New Guinean children. Yet, there are no respiratory scientists or specialist laboratories in PNG. Shalon Taufa from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences is determined to change that.

Working in academia and research is a tough field for anyone, but even more so for women. That’s why the PNG-Australia Partnership, through the Australia Awards Linkage Support for Women Academics Program, is supporting PNG’s women academics to attend conferences in Australia, to build new skills and networks to inspire and advance their research and activities in PNG.

Carol Wallan previously worked as an administration officer at NASFUND before deciding that a life on the high seas was her calling. Today, the proud mum of two is a Chief Officer and second in command aboard KEERA, a blue water tug vessel within the Pacific Towing Marine Services fleet which pulls and guides larger vessels through the Port Moresby Harbour.

“Being a midwife is to make a difference in a woman’s maternal health. People often think it is all about labour and delivery, but it’s also about advocating and caring for the mother.”

“When I came in as a teacher, I had a passion for education planning and policymaking. Despite having a limited understanding [in these areas], this passion motivated me to pursue further studies,” Dorothy said.

“When culture limited women’s participation to kitchens and childrearing, my dad taught me otherwise. Today, I’m the first woman in my family to hold a degree because my dad invested in me,” Rakara shared.

The Australia Awards PNG Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS) is brightening up the Bewani Health Centre in Sandaun Province with new lights in the delivery room, improved water supply, and a ramp for accessibility.  

In observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the
achievements of educators like Paula Niandros Polume.