First Women of Papua New Guinea

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.

These incredible women of Papua New Guinea continue to make history as the first in their fields, proving that with resilience and determination, success knows no gender. Their trailblazing contributions pave the way for future generations, inspiring women in a patriarchal Melanesian society like Papua New Guinea (PNG) to break traditional norms to rise and shine. Here is a list of the First Women of PNG that is part of an Instagram series. Their successes can lead to a broader discussion about the role of women in leadership and decision-making, creating more opportunities to excel and breaking mindsets to be more accommodating to seeing women in various roles.

Government

Hilan (Sikot) Pora - First Female Interpreter of the House of Assembly

Hilan (Sikot) Pora was appointed the 1st Female Interpreter to the PNG House of Assembly under the Australian Administration. She was also a Senior Research and Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister. Hilan was also the only female member of the Bully Beef Club.

Sports

Geua Tau - First Gold Medalist for Papua New Guinea

Geua Tau is part of PNG’s Sports Hall of Fame. She competed in lawn bowling and won PNG's first-ever gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in 1990.

Politics

Dame Josephine Abaija - First Female Politician

Dame Josephine Abaijah, GCL DBE, is a former Papua New Guinean politician. She was the first woman to be elected to the House of Assembly in 1972. She led the Papua Besena movement, advocating for Papua's separation from New Guinea.

Arts

Nora Vagi Brash - First Female Playwright & Artistic Director

Papua New Guinea's first female playwright and well-known actress, Nora Brash was the Artistic Director of the National Theatre Company and is the only woman to have served as commissioner for the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). She contributed immensely to Papua New Guinea literature in promoting Papua New Guinea’s vast history, arts and culture.

Diplomacy/Government

Winnie Kiap – First Woman Governor Governor General Nominee

Her Excellency Winnie Anna Kiap was PNG's former high commissioner to the UK. She is the first female candidate nominated to the Governor General's post. Kiap has had a long and distinguished career as a diplomat. She headed the Mission in London, accredited to Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

International Governance

Dame Meg Taylor - First Female Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum

Dame Meg Taylor is a lawyer and diplomat. Her early career was with the Office of the Chief Minister, Grand Chief Michael Somare, during Papua New Guinea’s self-government and early independence days. She was the Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She became the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, making her the first female to serve in this prestigious role.

Sports

Dika Toua – First Female Weightlifter

Dika Toua is Papua New Guinea’s first female weightlifter to compete at the Olympic Games five times. She has also been inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation’s Hall of Fame.

Justice

Catherine Davani – First Female Judge

Justice Catherine Anne Davani CSM, was the first female judge of Papua New Guinea. Justice Davani, graduated from the Legal Training Institute in November 1984 and practiced law until her appointment as a judge of PNG’s National and Supreme Court in March 2001. Justice Davani was a sitting judge in the civil court track at Waigani at the time of her passing.

Pageantry

Eva Ani - First Miss Papua New Guinea & First to win Miss Asia

Eva Ani became the first holder of the Miss Papua New Guinea title and won the Miss Asia title in 1975. She chartered the path for Papua New Guinean women in the beauty pageantry world on a local and international level.

Governance

Dame Alice Wedega – First PNG Dame

Alice Wedega was the first woman in Papua New Guinea to hold a seat in the national parliament, the first to be decorated, and the first to write a book. She was also the first Papuan Girl Guides Commissioner, the first woman member of the Legislative Council, and the first woman to be decorated by the queen, becoming Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982. Her story Listen My Country records a fascinating and full life.

Chemistry

Dr. Yalinu Poya - First Female Internationally Recognized Chemist

Dr. Poya is known for her groundbreaking research in sustainable ammonia production. Dr. Poya's contributions have garnered numerous international accolades such as the Green Talent Award, Plutonium Element Award, and the Commonwealth Chemistry Award.

Education

Dame Rose Kekedo – First Female Vice Chancellor

Dame Rosalina Violet Kekedo DBE (1942 – 25 February 2005), better known as Rose Kekedo, was a leading educator in PNG and the first woman to be chancellor of the University of PNG. She was the first PNG woman to hold a permanent lecturer position at Madang Teachers College in 1968. n 1974, she became the first female principal of Port Moresby Teachers College, leading educational reforms and promoting teacher training. Dame Rose was the first woman appointed to the Teaching Service Commission in 1979. She later became the first female head of the Department of Community and Family Services in 1980 and the Department of Labour in 1983, implementing policies to enhance social welfare and labor standards. Dame Rose was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1979, promoted to Officer (OBE) in 1988, and elevated to Dame Commander (DBE) in 1995 for her exceptional services to education, commerce, and sports.

Governance

Nahau Rooney – First Female Government Minister

​Nahau Rooney was a pioneering politician who significantly advanced women's representation and rights in the country's political landscape. In 1977, she became one of only three women elected to PNG's first post-independence National Parliament. Throughout her tenure, she held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice (1979) and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (1985–1987).

Politcs

Erigere Singin- First Female Political Party President

​In August 2021, Erigere Singin made history by being elected as the first female National President of PNG's ruling Pangu Pati during its 26th National Convention in Port Moresby. Erigere Singin's election as the first female National President of Pangu Pati marked a historic moment, underscoring the evolving role of women in PNG's political landscape.

Sports

Toea Wisil - First Female to Qualify for Olympics Sprinting

Known as the “Pacific Sprint Queen”. Wisil represented PNG at the 2012 London Olympics, competing in the 100m event. She was the first PNGwoman to compete in an Olympic sprint event. She has represented PNG at multiple Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships, competing against top international athletes. Wisil has won numerous gold medals at the Pacific Games, making her one of the most decorated athletes in PNG’s history.

Business

Janet Sape - Founder of the First Women’s Micro-financing Institution

Janet Sape was a pioneering women’s rights advocate, entrepreneur, and political leader. She was instrumental in establishing PNG Women’s Microbank, the first female-focused financial institution in the country.. The bank empowered thousands of women, particularly those in rural areas, by providing access to credit, savings, and financial literacy programs. She was recognized both locally and internationally for her work in women’s empowerment and economic development.

Technology

Crystal Kewe - First Youngest Tech CEO

​Crystal Kewe has made significant strides in the nation's tech industry, becoming a prominent figure as a young female leader. At 15, Crystal co-founded Crysan Technology Ltd with her father. As CEO and Chief Technical Officer, she leads a team that has expanded to over 20 employees across Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America. The company has collaborated with the PNG government on educational initiatives and developed platforms to enhance transparency in public development funding.

Politics

Matilda Pilacapio - First Female Provincial Government Rep.

In 1977, Matilda Pilacapio made history by becoming the first female provincial member of assembly for the Milne Bay Province. Her election marked a significant milestone in PNG's political history, paving the way for greater female participation in governance. Pilacapio is a distinguished human rights and environmental activist, renowned for her unwavering commitment to advocating for women's rights, environmental preservation, and social justice. Her multifaceted contributions have influenced PNG's social and political landscape.

Aviation

Capt. Beverly Pakii - First Female Airbus Captain

​Captain Beverly Pakii has achieved several groundbreaking milestones in the country’s aviation sector. A recent notable one was in November 2024 when Pakii successfully completed her type rating with distinction, becoming PNG's first Airbus A220 captain. These accomplishments not only highlights Captain Pakii's exceptional skills and dedication but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female aviators in the nation and beyond.

Finance

Elizabeth Genia- First Female Bank of PNG Governor

​Elizabeth Genia has made history in PNG by becoming the first woman to serve as the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG). Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the nation's financial sector, reflecting her extensive experience and dedication.

Military

Nancy Wii - First Female Commanding Officer in Defense

Lieutenant Colonel Nancy Wii in February 2022 was promoted to Commanding Officer of the Air Transport Wing of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF), becoming the first woman to hold such a position. This achievement was a historic milestone, highlighting her leadership and dedication. Nancy's ascent in both aviation and military sectors challenged traditional gender roles.

Politics

Margaret Nakikus - First Female to Head Government Planning Office

​Margaret Nakikus was a trailblazing planner and public servant who significantly advanced women's roles in the nation's development. She was the first PNG woman to head that country's National Planning Office. he co-authored the "Papua New Guinea: Women in Development Sector Review" in 1991, highlighting the importance of women's advancement in various sectors. In 1990, during UNESCO's International Literacy Year, Nakikus chaired PNG's national committee, emphasizing her commitment to education and literacy. She is also known as the wife of Rabbie Namaliu, who was PNG's prime minister between 1988 and 1992.

Pageantry

Dr. Abigail Havora - First Miss Pacific Islands PNG

At 24, Abigail Havora became the first Papua New Guinean to win the Miss Pacific Islands title during the pageant held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, in 2015. Havora's historic title as Miss Pacific Islands brought honor to PNG and served as a catalyst for cultural pride, social advocacy, and the empowerment of future generations. Abigail is a medical doctor by profession - more proof that PNG women don’t just serve beauty but brains too!

Politics

Hon. Francesca Semoso - First Female Assistant Speaker of Parliament

In March 2025, Francesca Semoso, the Member for North Bougainville, made history by becoming the first female parliamentarian to preside over a session in PNG's National Parliament. Appointed as Assistant Speaker, Semoso's leadership marked a significant milestone in the nation's 50-year history since independence, highlighting the increasing role of women in nation's political landscape.

Medicine

Prof. Evelyn Lavu - First Female Professor of Medicine

Professor Lavu was Director of the Central Public Health Laboratory in PNG for over a decade, Chair of the PNG Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, and conferred as a PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) governing Council member. She was appointed the country’s first and only female Professor of Medicine (Pathology) in June 2021. Evelyn led the way in laboratory diagnostics and embraced advances in new health issues, including HIV and, most recently, drug-resistant TB, where she undertook training to learn genome sequencing. She was a mentor to all women in health and medicine in PNG

Politics

Dame Carol Kidu - First Female Opposition Leader

​Dame Carol Kidu made history as a pioneering Papua New Guinean woman in several significant ways. Serving from 2002 to 2011, she was the country's first female Minister for Community Development, where she championed women's rights, social welfare, and education reforms. In February 2012, Dame Carol became the first woman to lead the opposition in PNG's Parliament, advocating for democratic processes and governmental accountability. ​Elected in 1997 as the MP for Port Moresby South, Dame Carol Kidu was the sole woman in PNG’s National Parliament from 2002 to 2012.