Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Michelle O’Byrne, is visiting Papua New Guinea to strengthen bilateral partnerships focused on advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment, gender equality, and efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
During her visit to Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen, Ambassador O’Byrne will meet with women leaders, civil society organisations, frontline service providers, business representatives, young people, and government officials working to improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls across the country.
The visit will provide the Ambassador with an opportunity to observe Australia’s support for initiatives that promote women’s leadership, economic participation, and community safety through the Australia–PNG Partnership.
Her itinerary includes visits to the Bel isi Case Management Centre, the Women’s Business Resource Centre, women-led businesses, and community sporting initiatives. She will also meet with women’s rights advocates, frontline responders, and political leaders supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As part of the program, Ambassador O’Byrne will attend PNG Hunters fixtures and AFL PNG training sessions, where she will engage with athletes, coaches, and sporting organisations using sport to promote leadership opportunities for women and girls, positive social change, and greater gender equality.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ambassador O’Byrne acknowledged the contributions of Papua New Guinean women and organisations leading change in their communities.
"Papua New Guinea is home to extraordinary women and organisations driving change in their communities every day," she said.
She added that the visit would provide an opportunity to hear directly from women leaders, political champions, frontline workers, and young people about the opportunities and challenges they face while reinforcing Australia's partnership with Papua New Guinea to advance gender equality.
Australia says it recognises that lasting progress on gender equality is driven by Papua New Guinean leadership and collaboration. Through the Australia–PNG Partnership, it remains committed to working with government, civil society, communities, and the private sector to support a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable future for all.
