WOW Awards 2025 Recognizes 7 Women Leaders from PNG

• A total of seven women has been recognised at the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards 
• The awards acknowledged women seven different sectors which includes Entrepreneurship, Not-for-Profit, Private Sector and four more

Seven inspiring women were recognized on July 27, 2025, in Port Moresby at the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards, which highlight women leaders who are making a difference throughout Papua New Guinea. 

Hosted for the 18th year, the awards recognised achievements in seven sectors: Entrepreneurship, Not-for-Profit, Private Sector, Public Sector, Sports & Arts, Sustainability, and Young Achiever. The winners were chosen from a list of more than 150 nominees from around Australia. 

Receiving the highest recognition was Anne Shirley Korave, who was recognized for her health and environmental programs through her social business Queenpads. She was also the category winner under Sustainability. 

Westpac Chairwoman Tamzin Wardley stated the awards are meant to encourage inclusive leadership and recognize women who are making a significant difference in the communities of PNG. 

The winners in each category were Violet Bukon (Entrepreneurship); Delsie Casper Nick (Not-for-Profit); Raka Numa Raula (Private Sector); No award was given, but a mention of Dr Pamela Toliman (Public Sector); Anne Shirley Korave (Sustainability); Rutha-Meu Omenefa (Sports & Arts); and Julie Rereve (Young Achiever). 

Anne was awarded PGK 5,000, a 12-month mentorship with Westpac PNG, and an invitation to attend a leadership symposium in Australia. 

Westpac Pacific MD Emma Low described Anne's work as demonstrating the potential of community-driven innovation. Westpac PNG CEO Andrew Cairns also described the winners as being role models for leadership that's uplifting Papua New Guinean society.