The 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards is a prestigious initiative in Papua New Guinea that celebrates the remarkable achievements of women driving progress and transformation throughout the country.
The event which took place on the 26th of July 2025 at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, honors the vision, dedication and achievements of women who are making extraordinary contributions to the country.
With that, the awards have been relaunched this year after five years coinciding with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary set to take place on the 16th of September.
Managing Director of Westpac Pacific, Emma Low, stated that this the event was all about recognition, inspiration and celebration.
She also said that it is an opportunity to spotlight the incredible contributions women are making in every corner of the community or society.
“As we celebrate leadership, resilience, innovation and impact, I invite you to take this not just a moment of recognition, but as a reminder of the power of lifting others.”
“We are creating space for women to lead, thrive and shine.”
The 2025 WOW Awards featured a total of seven categories with 21 finalists and a winner each from announced on the night of the event.
A judging process took place before a decision was made to appoint a winner each.
All 21 remarkable finalists, drawn from diverse sectors, have demonstrated outstanding commitment to excellence and community advancement.
Their achievements not only shaping their respective fields but also inspiring future generations to dream boldly and drive positive change.
The categories and winners are:
1. Entrepreneurship- Violet Bukon
2. Not for Profit- Delsie Casper Nick
3. Private Sector- Raka Numa Raula
4. Public Sector- Dr. Pamela Toliman
5. Sports and Arts- Ruth Meu Omenefa
6. Sustainability- Anne Shirley Korave
7. Young Achiever- Julie Rereve
Apart from these award categories, there was also another category for Overall Winning Award in which Sustainability Award winner, Anne Shirley Korave received.
Furthermore, Low thanked all finalists for their powerful work they do and for the example that they have set.