Papua New Guinea Women In Disability Network

27/07/2026

PNG Women in Disability Network (PNGWIDN) believes that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can only be achieved when women and girls with disabilities are included, empowered, and actively participating in every aspect of development. The SDGs are a global commitment to end poverty, reduce inequalities, protect our environment, and ensure that no one is left behind.

For PNGWIDN, SDG 17,Partnerships for the Goals is the foundation of our advocacy. It reminds us that meaningful and lasting change cannot be achieved by one organization alone. Governments, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), development partners, civil society, the private sector, faith-based organizations, communities, and persons with disabilities must work together to create inclusive policies, accessible services, equal opportunities, equitable provisions and sustainable development for all.

As the national voice of women and girls with disabilities in Papua New Guinea , PNGWIDN is committed to building strong partnerships that promote leadership, gender equality, disability inclusion, accessibility, human rights, economic empowerment, education, health, and participation in decision-making. Through collaboration, we can remove barriers, amplify our voices, and ensure that women and girls with disabilities are recognized as leaders and contributors to development agendas across PNG.

20/07/2026

Leading Change🔑Shaping an Inclusive Papua New Guinea.

A powerful movement of women with disability leaders leading advocacy, influencing policy, & ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are heard across PNG

At the centre is Ipul, a respected mentor & pioneer whose leadership helped lay the foundation for the disability rights movement in PNG. She was among the leaders behind the establishment & strengthening of the PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (ADP). A new generation of women leaders continue to build on that legacy.

Ruth Javati – Co-Chair (Female), PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (ADP), providing national leadership and advocating for the rights and representation of persons with disabilities.

Sommerville Kanaba – President, PNG Women in Disability Network (PNGWIDN), and chairperson Oro OPD, championing the empowerment of women and girls with disabilities through leadership, policy advocacy, civic participation, and inclusive development across PNG.

Nelsie Kofiaba – Vice President, PNGWIDN, and Secretary of ADP, strengthening governance, coordination, and disability-inclusive advocacy across the country.

Marilyn Elia – Treasurer, PNGWIDN, supporting accountable leadership, strengthening and continuing the advocacy on sustainability.

Brenda and Shirley – Dedicated champion advocates who continue to amplify the voices of women with disabilities and promote inclusion within their communities and nationally.

These women leaders are engaging with government, development partners, civil society, & communities to shape national & provincial conversations on disability inclusion, gender equality, education, health, employment, leadership, & human rights. Their work ensures that development agendas are informed by their lived experiences - working towards a PNG where equity, equality, inclusion, respect, & dignity are realities for all women & girls in PNG.

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

Intersectionality reminds us that women and girls with disabilities experience overlapping forms of discrimination based on gender, disability, and other social factors. These layers shape access to education, leadership, healthcare, and participation in community life.

When we understand intersectionality, we move beyond “one-size-fits-all” approaches and begin to design inclusion that reflects real lived experiences.

UNCRPD Article 6 affirms that States must recognize and take measures to ensure the full development, advancement, and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities so they can enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

True inclusion means no woman or girl is left behind in leadership, decision-making, and development.

08/06/2026

With Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) – we just got recognized as one of their top fans!

07/06/2026

UNCRPD Article 6 recognizes that women and girls with disabilities face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and affirms their right to full and equal participation in all aspects of life.

The PNG Women in Disability Network exists because women with disabilities have chosen to come together, unite their voices, and advocate for change. We refuse to be invisible. We refuse to be excluded from decisions that affect our lives.

Through collective action, leadership, peer support, and advocacy, we are working to ensure that women and girls with disabilities across Papua New Guinea are visible, heard, respected, and meaningfully represented.

Our movement is grounded in the belief that disability inclusion cannot be achieved without the leadership and participation of women with disabilities themselves. We stand together to challenge stigma, promote equality, and advance the rights enshrined in Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

06/06/2026

🌟 A Milestone for Women with Disabilities in Papua New Guinea 🌟

What began as a small group of determined women with disabilities meeting every Tuesday to save a little money together has now grown into a model of empowerment, leadership, and economic inclusion.

Yesterday, women with disabilities in Hagen Central celebrated the launch of a self-help loan scheme that will support members to improve their livelihoods and create economic opportunities for themselves and their families.

Under the leadership of Fredah Mali, the newly elected Highlands Regional Representative for Women with Disabilities in PNG (WIDN Highlands), and fellow leader Grace Teldi, women with disabilities demonstrated that collective action and commitment can produce meaningful change. Their weekly savings initiative, started last year by only a handful of women, steadily gained momentum and eventually attracted wider support.

The success of the initiative was further strengthened through a K20,000 funding support from the Mt Hagen City Authority, enabling the first phase of the loan scheme. Twenty-five members have received K200 loans each, which will be repaid with a small interest component and recycled to support other members until all 180 members have benefited.

This achievement reflects the power of women with disabilities leading their own development, supporting one another, and creating sustainable solutions within their communities.

The association also acknowledged the support of local MP and Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma, and the Mt Hagen City Authority for recognising the aspirations of persons with disabilities and investing in their economic empowerment.

This is more than a loan scheme—it is a story of resilience, leadership, self-reliance, and what can happen when women with disabilities are given the opportunity to lead.

Congratulations to Fredah Mali, Grace Teldi, and all the women involved. Your vision is creating pathways for inclusion and inspiring

28/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100063559063261/posts/1592896496172304/?app=fbl

26/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100064741144424/posts/1441179841383374/?app=fbl

As AI increasingly shapes our societies, it is essential to understand its impact on women with disabilities. Are you a woman with disabilities? Then we especially want to hear from you!

Are you concerned about being censored online by AI-based speech filters when sharing content on disability, feminism, or gender equality?

Do you think automation and AI are more likely to remove jobs or create new opportunities for women with disabilities?

Do you think violence against women and girls with disabilities has increased with easier access to AI-based tools?

We are preparing a report on AI and women with disabilities and want to learn about your experiences with AI.

Take our short survey by 30 June: https://lnkd.in/eUm-JpJq

Your answers are anonymous (unless you decide to give us your email address).