Last night, the Papua New Guinea Young Professional Women’s Network (PNG YPWN), in collaboration with sponsor CPL Group, officially launched a three-year partnership with DFM Model Agency at the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) New Lecture Theatre.
The event was themed “Strength in Adversity: Empowering Women.”
PNG YPWN is an association focused on supporting emerging professional women studying at UPNG across various fields by providing a platform for young professional women to exchange ideas and seek mentorship from experienced women in their respective areas of expertise.
The event brought together university representatives, provincial and district student leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate resilience and empowerment among women.
Among the notable attendees was UPNG Female Vice- President Florence Pill, who addressed the audience with a powerful message about the strength of women throughout history.
“If you look at Esther, Deborah, Rahab, and Ruth in the Bible, each of them was just one woman who made a difference. Likewise, every woman here has the power to change the world,” Florence stated.
She emphasized the importance of mindset, values, and self-worth, urging young women to recognize their potential. Highlighting the critical role of mental strength, she added, “Your mind is the most important part of your body. It controls your actions, your studies, and your future. What you feed your mind determines your success.”
The event’s keynote speaker was Miss Bird of Paradise, May Hasola, who spoke passionately about resilience and the strength of women.
“Resilience is not just an individual trait; it defines us as a nation. As women, we carry resilience in our hearts. It is an honor to stand before such a gathering of strong and determined individuals,” Hasola remarked.
She acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, the Motu and Koitabu people, and paid tribute to their enduring connection to the land.
The event was hosted by Shivonnie Sakme, Founder and Executive Director of PNG YPWN, who reflected on her personal journey and the challenges faced by Papua New Guinean women.
“I am a proud Papua New Guinean. I have felt the hurt and struggles that our women endure. Resilience, courage, and perseverance are what drive us forward. It takes tears and challenges, but we must push through for the next generation,” Sakme expressed emotionally.
She stressed the importance of education and collaboration, emphasizing that the progress of Papua New Guinea depends on unity and shared responsibility.
“The advancement of PNG lies in our hands. Our forefathers built this nation with resilience, and now it is up to us to carry that legacy forward. We must coexist and work together—not in competition, but in collaboration,” she urged.
The launch of this partnership marks a significant milestone for PNG YPWN, CPL Group, and DFM Model Agency, as they commit to fostering leadership, professional development, and empowerment for women in PNG over the next three years.
The evening concluded with an atmosphere of inspiration and solidarity, reinforcing the message that women in Papua New Guinea are not just participants in society but leaders shaping the future.