The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has made history with the launch of its first-ever Gender Strategy, becoming the world’s first national rugby league federation to introduce a comprehensive framework dedicated to advancing gender equality in the sport.
The strategy aims to advance gender equality across rugby league by fostering inclusive, safe, and empowering environments that enable women, men, girls, and boys to participate and lead at every level of the game.
The development of the strategy has been supported by the Australian Government through the PNG Rugby League Pathways Development Program, which partners with PNG rugby league stakeholders to strengthen pathways for both young women’s and men’s participation and high performance in the sport.
The Gender Strategy was shaped through nationwide consultations with players, coaches, and administrators, alongside a collaborative design process involving PNGRFL, the PNG NRL Academy, and staff from the PNG Rugby League Pathways Development Program. It aligns with PNGRFL’s vision of “Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation.”
The strategy outlines practical actions to drive progress for women and girls across four key areas:
- Participation, including coaching pathways
- Leadership and decision-making
- Visibility, including media representation
- Safe and respectful environments
PNGRFL is believed to be the first national rugby league federation globally to develop such a comprehensive gender equality framework, and the first sporting organization in Papua New Guinea to do so — positioning PNG as a regional leader in the Pacific.
Announcing the strategy ahead of a landmark year for women’s rugby league in 2026, including PNG hosting Women’s Rugby League World Cup matches, PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said the strategy would guide the organization’s future direction.
“In recent years, PNGRFL has prioritized rugby league for women and girls as part of our overall strategy. This document will help focus our activities and programs to make real impact,” Mr. Hondina said.
“This is not just about encouraging more girls and women to play rugby league. It reflects our ambition to see more women in leadership and decision-making roles, in off-field positions such as coaching and refereeing, to amplify positive media coverage of women in rugby league, and to make our sport safer and more welcoming for all.”
Santos PNG Orchids player Carol Humeu, who has represented Papua New Guinea at the past two World Cups, welcomed the strategy and its long-term vision.
“I am encouraged that our up-and-coming players, both female and male, will be supported to participate equally in our national sport,” Ms. Humeu said.
“I have seen significant change since I began playing rugby league in 2012, and I believe this strategy will help advance gender equality in and through rugby league even further.”
Mt Hagen Eagles Women’s Head Coach and 2025 Santos Cup Coach of the Year, Regila Wifred, described the strategy as a breakthrough for women’s rugby league, particularly in the Highlands.
“This is a huge step forward for PNG rugby league,” Ms. Wifred said.
“It has taken many years to build a professional environment for women in the Highlands, and this strategy will help us build on what we have achieved and create opportunities for more women across all regions as leaders, coaches, and players.”
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, said the Australian Government was proud to support the initiative.
“This is a significant milestone for rugby league in Papua New Guinea,” High Commissioner McDonald said.
“A structured framework that promotes safer, more inclusive, and empowering environments for women and girls will have far-reaching benefits for the nation and is an important step on PNG’s pathway towards an NRLW franchise in the future.”
