Seven (7) amazing aspiring women in seven categories were recognised for their contribution to the community and to the country last night, Saturday 25th July 2026, at the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women AWARDS (WOWA).
The 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA recognised these seven inspiring women who are making a big difference in Papua New Guinea through their leadership, commitment and the work they do in their communities, and these winners were recognised in seven different categories: Entrepreneurship, Not-for-Profit, Private Sector, Public Sector, Sports & Arts, Sustainability, and Young Achiever.
The Westpac Oustanding Women Awards recognises excellence across a diverse range of sector, reflecting the breadth of talent, ambition and impact demonstrated by woman throughout the country and this year, more than 200 nominations were received from across the country, and through judging panels only 3 each were selected from each category and then out of the three finalists only one came out winner from respective category.
Their stories showed the talent, courage and the positive influence they have in their space and the difference each woman has made in the lives of others, and the work they do to make this country a better country.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Westpac Board Chairwoman Tamzin Wardley said: "As Chairwoman of the Board, I am incredibly proud to celebrate the women recognised through these awards. Their achievements demonstrate the power of leadership and resilience to create meaningful change in our communities."
"The Westpac Outstanding Women Awards recognise women who are breaking barriers, creating opportunities for others and helping shape a stronger future for our nation.”
The Seven (7) category winners were:
• ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY – MARTHA RAKA
Ms. Martha Raka was the winner for Entrepreneur Category, and she was given this award in recognition of the work she does as a social entrepreneur and cooperative development practitioner who us transforming rural livelihoods in Papua New Guinea. With over seven years' experience she leads climate resilient cooperative enterprises, engaging more than 1,500 farmers, strengthening incomes, governance and sustainability. Her Innovative, multi-stakeholders approach integrates community, government and private sector investment scalable impact, empowering women, building local leadership and driving inclusive economic growth across vulnerable communities.
• NOT-FOR-PROFIT CATEGORY – JACQUELIN MARY BOGA GAROAU
Jacqueline Mary Boga Garoau is a distinguished lawyer and the national advocate for persons with disabilities and women in PNG. As a former famale co- chair of PNGADP, she played a key role in consultations leading to Disability Services Act 2025. She is currently serving at the provincial level, continuing to empower communities and PWDs .
• PRIVATE SECTOR CATEGORY – STELLA IPANG
Ms. Ipang was recognised for her leadership in transforming and advancing Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across Papua New Guinea’s health sector. She has driven the integration of inclusive practices in immunisation programs through innovative tools such as a GEDSI Action plan and Scorecard. Stella is also the creator of the EmpowerMe Puzzle, showcased internationally, and she is the author of My Action Words. Her work has helped support more inclusive healthcare for women, children and marginalised communities.
•PUBLIC SECTOR CATEGORY – ELIZABETH TANDOA
Ms. Tandoa is and household name in Gerehu Secondary school for decades, a transformational education leader and deputy principal, where she has driven remarkable improvements in discipline, academic performance, and student development through holistic programs. She is a passionate community advocate; she runs a literacy and numeracy program for over 10 years now, empowering young kids to succeed.
• SUSTANABILITY CATEGORY - EMMA OLIVER
She is a Marine Biologist, educator and founder of ENB Sea Keepers and ENB Marine Conservation Consultancy services, a leading community driven marine conservation initiative in PNG. Her work spans around coral restoration, biodiversity research and environmental education powering coastal communities with sustainable livelihood solutions. A One Young World Ambassador (2024) she combines scientific expertise, indigenous knowledge and global advocacy to advance locally led conservation and position in PNG's environment priorities on the international stage.
• SPORTS AND ARTS CATEGORY – WOSI KAEYO
Wosi is a dynamic PNG Film Producer at the Jona Film Production, best known for Plesman 1 and Plesman 2, through her leadership she uses the films to address critical national issues including youth unemployment, tribal conflict, and women empowerment. Her work inspires communities to embrace self-reliance, peace, and development, while creating opportunities for local talents.
• YOUNG ACHIEVER CATEGORY – GETTA KAMBAR
Is an award-winning young leader and trailblazer in construction, community engagement and youth empowerment. She also uses sports and community initiatives to inspire young women, promote inclusion and drive social change. Her leadership has also earned her the CPL Young woman of the Year Award and Pride of Women Young Leader Awards.
Out of the 7 winners, the 2026 Overall Winner was Stella Ipang, who was also Private Sector Category winner, as the overall Winner, Stella will receive a PGK 5,000 grant and a full-year mentorship program with Westpac PNG, and she will also attend an Australian executive leadership symposium in 2026 or 2027.
Emma Low, Managing Director for Westpac Pacific, said: "Stella’s commitment to advancing inclusion and improving health outcomes has created tangible benefits for communities across Papua New Guinea. Her achievements stood out among an exceptional group of finalists and reflected the spirit of these awards."
Reflecting on the recognition, Stella Ipang said: "Receiving this award is an honor. I am grateful to do work that has a positive impact on our community. I hope this recognition encourages more women and young girls to pursue their ambitions, embrace leadership opportunities and believe in their ability to make a difference.”
Westpac PNG is proud to celebrate these outstanding women and the work they continue to do for their families, communities and the country. Chief Executive for Westpac PNG, Andrew Cairns said: “At Westpac PNG, we are proud to recognise these outstanding women and the positive impact they are making across the country."
"Their leadership, courage and commitment show what is possible when people step forward to serve their communities and help build a stronger Papua New Guinea. I congratulate all the finalists and winners and thank them for the difference they continue to make.”
Westpac is proud to provide a platform to tell the stories of the finalists and the winners and in doing so, Westpac believes that the Awards will inspire the next generation of female leaders, because this platform not only celebrates individual success but the collective progress of women across PNG.
