The journey of Claribel Waide a committed advocate for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Papua New Guinea’s education sector, reinforces the importance of equal rights, inclusion, and opportunities in shaping a better future for all. Originally from Oro and Morobe Provinces, Claribel started her education at Okapa Community School, where her father worked as a teacher. After completing Grade 6 at Kafetina Community School, she went on to Henganofi High School, where she completed Grade 10. Following in her father’s footsteps, Claribel enrolled at Balob Teacher’s College in Morobe Province to train as a teacher. During her second year, she received the devastating news that her father had passed away. “As the eldest in my family, I was crushed. I wanted to quit my studies and go home to be with my mother and younger siblings.” “But I remembered one of his final words to me: to study hard, secure a job, and look out for my siblings.” Determined to fulfil her father’s wishes, Claribel continued with her studies and returned to Oro Province after graduating. For more than 8 years she taught in Oro, during which she supported her four younger siblings through their tertiary studies. All four eventually graduated and found careers in their respective fields. Seeing her sibling’s complete university inspired Claribel to take her own education further. She applied to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), where she later graduated with a double degree in Arts (Education) and Business Management (Public Policy Management). With her new qualifications, Claribel was offered a role at the National Department of Education (NDoE) in the Human Resources Division. She began as the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Officer, responsible for mainstreaming gender equity and social inclusion across the school system and within the department. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration with various agencies, development partners, and NGOs, she worked tirelessly to embed these principles into education policies and ensure they were embraced at all levels. Her role was demanding, but Claribel found that respect, teamwork, open communication, and collaboration across divisions helped her navigate challenges. She believes that recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses is key to a successful career. A defining moment in her 14-year career was the launch of the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Schools Policy at the Teachers Expo in September 2024. The event was officiated by Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, PNG Minister for Higher Education, Kinoka Hotune Feo, and Education Minister, Lucas Dekena. The policy launch was widely celebrated by parents, teachers, students, and the broader education sector in PNG. “I feel a sense of satisfaction, as it was a long and challenging journey.” “I acknowledge the support of my colleagues within the Department and the Australian Government’s assistance through the Partnerships for Improving Education program." Claribel worked diligently to ensure that the GESI policy addressed the difficulties encountered by marginalized populations, such as girls, disabled children, and those living in distant areas. She also works with government agencies and partners to ensure that the policy aligns with the National Education Plan and key commitments in the Sustainable Development Goals. She also organizes gender-sensitive and inclusive teaching workshops for educators, teachers, and community leaders. This is to ensure that the policy reflects students' different cultural, language, and gender views, as well as their learning needs. Claribel's duty does not end there; she also promotes community engagement and advocacy to promote girls' education and the participation of underrepresented groups. Additionally, she supports data gathering and research on social barriers in education, including disability inclusion and gender inequities. It is crucial to use these statistics to track advancements made toward inclusive education goals and to inform policy decisions. She explains that the policy will guarantee inclusive and gender-equitable teaching and learning, and she is thrilled about what it implies for parents, teachers, and students. The policy ensures collective accountability for promoting social inclusion and gender equity by clearly defining the roles and duties of all stakeholders. "This policy will hold everyone accountable for helping children to attend school regularly and finish their education, especially girls and children with disabilities."