The launch of the documentary Voices of Change: The Journey of Women in Papua New Guinea since 1975 has highlighted the leadership, resilience and contributions of Papua New Guinean women over the past five decades.
The documentary was launched ahead of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Day celebrations, bringing together government representatives, development partners and advocates for gender equality.
Acting Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission, Dr. Kate Rogers, said the documentary provides an important opportunity to reflect on how women have shaped Papua New Guinea.
She acknowledged the women featured in the film, commending their strength, determination and ambition to lead change in communities and across the country.
“We honour your strength and determination, your resilience and your ambition to lead change in both visible and everyday ways,” Dr. Rogers said.
Dr. Rogers congratulated the Minister and the Department of Community Development and Religion for their commitment to empowering women and girls, describing the documentary as a testament to their ongoing work.
She stressed that progress toward gender equality can only be achieved when women and girls are included in decision-making processes and have equal voice alongside men.
Dr. Rogers also highlighted Australia’s support through the PNG Women Lead initiative, a $55 million partnership with the PNG Government, civil society organisations and the private sector.
The program focuses on elevating women’s leadership, promoting respectful relationships, preventing violence against women and girls and supporting women’s economic empowerment.
She encouraged communities across the country to watch and share the documentary to spark conversations and inspire action towards greater gender equality.
Providing an overview of the film, Director of the Office for Women’s Development, Ms Nancy Kavop, said the documentary tells an important national story by capturing the voices and achievements of Papua New Guinean women since independence in 1975.
Ms Kavop said the documentary highlights women from various backgrounds, including grassroots leaders, advocates, professionals and pioneers who have contributed to shaping communities and the nation.
“It reminds us that women have always been central to the development of Papua New Guinea,” she said.
She noted that the themes highlighted in the documentary reflect the priorities of the Papua New Guinea Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2025–2035, which was endorsed by the Government in December last year.
According to Ms Kavop, the documentary showcases women breaking barriers and taking leadership roles, contributing to economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation, while also highlighting ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence and unequal access to opportunities.
She said the project also demonstrates the importance of partnerships between the PNG Government, the Australian Government through the PNG Women Lead program, civil society organisations and other advocates working to advance gender equality.
“The documentary is more than just a film. It is an advocacy and educational tool that will inspire young women and girls, inform communities and encourage greater support for women’s leadership and participation in national development,” Ms Kavop said.
She also acknowledged the teams and partners involved in producing the documentary, including the PNG Women Lead team, Tribe Media and the Office for Women’s Development staff.
Ms Kavop said the documentary serves as a reminder that the future of Papua New Guinea depends on the full participation, leadership and empowerment of women and girls.
The documentary was officially launched by the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion before its screening.
