Some incredible women of Papua New Guinea were the first in their fields, proving success knows no gender. Their trailblazing spirit inspires women in a patriarchal Melanesian society to rise.
First 6 policewomen to join the Royal PNG Constabulary in July 1977: Mary NOIFA, Agatha GUPURI, Cathy SIMATAB, Rita SAUNAT, Miriam YAWA and Grace JOJOGA.
First woman to attain the rank of Detective Superintendent: Joan Dangoume
First woman Deputy Commissioner of Police: Joanne Clarkson
Great post. I would contend though whether Toea Wisil was a "first". Mae Koime was at the 2004 Athens Olympics competing in the 100m.
But the first ever gold medal the country ever won was at an international event was by Ms Kito Kaida-Wainetti at the 1969 'Home Games'.
According to archives". Kito wore running spikes in the heats, but preferred to run with bare feet in the final. She was also still suffering from the after-effects of a bout of malaria. It was a courageous effort." It was notable too for being PNG's first ever hosting of an international sporting events. If anything, it rallied the spirits of a nation towards independence, where that gold medal might just have just meant a little bit more.
I am pleased to see a mention of Jane Sape as a businesswoman and leader in her field. She inspired women to be more than what they believed they were.
I was privileged to be involved with Janet in the first PNGWIB Expo in Lae opened by Sir Michael Somare PM in 2010. Janet left us too early.
I think this is a great initiative, well done! and look forward to the final piece. If I may contribute factually: Meg Taylor: First woman to be admitted to the Bar including ACT from PNG
I would also recommend Ms. Nancy Oraka Pomoso first female and PNG to hold the position of Head of Secretariat of Oceania Customs Orgaization.
Policing
First 6 policewomen to join the Royal PNG Constabulary in July 1977: Mary NOIFA, Agatha GUPURI, Cathy SIMATAB, Rita SAUNAT, Miriam YAWA and Grace JOJOGA.
First woman to attain the rank of Detective Superintendent: Joan Dangoume
First woman Deputy Commissioner of Police: Joanne Clarkson
I love this. It's inspiring to read, it well presented. Please publish it so our daughters can read it and be inspired. Thank you.
Great post. I would contend though whether Toea Wisil was a "first". Mae Koime was at the 2004 Athens Olympics competing in the 100m.
But the first ever gold medal the country ever won was at an international event was by Ms Kito Kaida-Wainetti at the 1969 'Home Games'.
According to archives". Kito wore running spikes in the heats, but preferred to run with bare feet in the final. She was also still suffering from the after-effects of a bout of malaria. It was a courageous effort." It was notable too for being PNG's first ever hosting of an international sporting events. If anything, it rallied the spirits of a nation towards independence, where that gold medal might just have just meant a little bit more.
Please add First female medical doctor Mrs Silas
I am pleased to see a mention of Jane Sape as a businesswoman and leader in her field. She inspired women to be more than what they believed they were.
I was privileged to be involved with Janet in the first PNGWIB Expo in Lae opened by Sir Michael Somare PM in 2010. Janet left us too early.
I think this is a great initiative, well done! and look forward to the final piece. If I may contribute factually: Meg Taylor: First woman to be admitted to the Bar including ACT from PNG
First woman Head of Mission
First Woman SG PIF
First VP CAO
Actually Meg Taylor first female lawyer in PNG
Nancy Wii, also First PNG Female Commercial Pilot.