Over 100 applications received for 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Award
Over 100 nominations have been received for the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards [WOW], a program initiated in 2004 to recognize the contribution of women participating in the business.
Through this program Westpac appreciates and shows support for women who continue to break barriers, lead change, and uplifting communities through the products and services they offer. It also empowers young women entrepreneurs to step up and contribute more.
Of the nominations, 40 percent came from outside major centers. This highlights the national relevance of the awards and the desire to celebrate women’s achievements.
Westpac PNG CEO Andrew Cairns says the strong response of nominations from across PNG is truly inspiring.
"It speaks to the caliber of women driving progress in our communities and the collective belief in recognizing their contributions. We are honored to continue championing women’s advancement through the WOW Awards,” Mr Cairns said.
The return of the WOW Awards has reignited a national conversation about the importance of visibility, recognition, and opportunity for women.
Former Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General and current WOW Awards judge, Dame Meg Taylor said WOW Awards are more than a celebration.
"They are a platform for storytelling, for honouring resilience, and for inspiring the next generation," Taylor said.
Sharing similar sentiments was public health and community development consultant Michelle Hau’ofa.
"These women are shaping the future of Papua New Guinea. These nominations are not just entries – they are declarations of courage, community, and conviction," Hau'ofa said.
Meanwhile, Each category winner will receive a K5,000 grant and participate in a year-long mentorship program led by Westpac, designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks.
The judging process is now underway, with winners to be announced at the highly anticipated WOW Awards Gala on the 26th of July, 2025.