Two Papua New Guinean women, Hannah Kuwimb from Mt Hagen and Kathy Araea from Alotau, have been selected to take part in the 2025 FIBA Oceania WiLEAD Program, a regional initiative aimed at developing female leaders in basketball. The program, hosted in Canberra and supported by PacificAus Sports, brings together 15 emerging leaders from eight national federations across the Pacific. It includes online learning, keynote sessions, in-person workshops, and internship placements intended to strengthen collaboration and elevate women’s roles in the sport. The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) confirmed the announcement, describing the selection as a significant achievement for women in sport. “This is one of the first steps in the right direction,” said Delisha Koime, BFPNG Program Quality Lead. “We’re proud to see Hannah and Kathy take on this opportunity. Their selection reflects our commitment to creating pathways for women because it is not just to play basketball, but to lead, inspire, and shape its future.” As part of the program, Kuwimb and Araea will receive training in sports administration, coaching, and community engagement. BFPNG said the achievement aligns with its renewed focus on gender equity and represents a step towards creating a more inclusive future for basketball in Papua New Guinea. More information on the 2025 WiLEAD cohort is available on the FIBA Oceania website.