The Pride of PNG Women Awards is an Awards Program that recognizes and celebrates exceptional Papua New Guinean women and their contribution for the betterment of their families and communities.

She is the Pride of her Family, the Pride of her Community, and the Pride of PNG.

Initiated in 2007, The PoPNG Women Awards, is a flagship event by the CPL Foundation, the Philanthropic Arm of CPL Group and founding Partner, Post Courier.

CPL Group, and the Governor General of Papua New Guinea as patron of the Pride of Papua New Guinea Women Awards, His Excellency Grand Chief, Sir. Bob Dadae are proud to announce the opening of nominations for the Pride of PNG Women Awards 2024.

The Awards, now in it’s 13^th Year, calls for Public Nominations in a range of categories that an individual can be nominated in.

The Brave and Courageous Award is presented for an act, or acts of bravery that helped saved a life or assisted someone in danger.

The nominee has:

• Resolved a situation or series of incidents to protect others who may also find themselves in the same situation in the future.
• Resolved a situation or series of incidents using innovation and non-traditional responses, and protected and cared for others involved in a situation.
• Sought a resolution which had the potential to bring about significant changes and positive impact to the parties or communities involved.

Examples of Nominees in this Category can be Community Leaders, Church Leaders, Peace Negotiators, Police Officers, Correctional Service Officers, Defence Force Officers and others.

New to the Nomination Categories is the Women Entrepreneur Award. This award is presented for Entrepreneurs who display innovative and empowering business tenacity towards operating a business in their community.

The nominee has:

• Demonstrated the ability to use local knowledge and innovation to build their business or businesses.
• Empowered other women and community groups positively through their business, whether it be through training, upskilling, sourcing or through pathways for further economic opportunities.
• Displayed adaptable techniques to keep their business(es) operating with the ever-changing business environment.

Examples of Nominees in this Category can be SME Owners who provide Tourist Services, Food Services or Professional Services, Fashion, Art and Textile Designers, Agri-business owners, small scale manufacturers and others.

Also new to the nomination categories, is the Sports Icon Award. This award is presented for an athlete or official who has performed exceptionally well in their sporting code, and through their accomplishments and achievements, has become a role model for young PNG girls who aspire to play sports.

The nominee has:

• Actively promoted the growth of their sporting codes in their communities, and provides support to young up-and-coming athletes.
• Performed and contributed exceptionally well in their sporting code, either locally, internationally, or both, and is a team player with fellow coaches, managers and fellow athletes.
• Is a role model both on and off the field for young women and girls aspiring to play sports.

Examples of Nominees in this Category are Sports Players, Athletes, Officials from various codes.

The Care and Compassion Award is presented for acts of care and compassion for disadvantaged people in the nominee’s communities.

The nominee has:

• Demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication to the lives and living standards of disadvantaged people in their community, e.g., persons with disabilities, the elderly, persons living with HIV and AIDS etc.
• Consistently demonstrated compassion for others in the community via specific activities, Youth projects, sports projects, etc
• Demonstrated the ability to be a role model and support for students and young people in her care, displaying high standards of professional and ethical behavior.

Examples of Nominees in this Category can be Community Leaders, Church Leaders, Educators, Teachers, Healthcare Workers and others.

The Community Spirit Award is presented for an individual or group whose volunteer and / or charitable activities have most improved the quality of life of a fellow citizen or group of people in their community

The nominee has:

• Actively promoted a vision of responsible community membership which is respectful and inclusive of all ages and cultures and abilities.
• Demonstrated the spirit of creativity, innovation, and initiative by responding in a proactive manner to an issue relevant to the well-being of their community.
• Has identified an issue in their community and has selflessly taken action to address the issue.

Examples of Nominees in this Category can be Community Leaders, Church Leaders, Peace Negotiators and others.

The Young PNG Award is presented for a Papuan New Guinean, 25 years or younger, who has demonstrated outstanding resolve, mature judgment, and moral character beyond their years.

The nominee has:

• Achieved significant leadership success – by taking on challenges and meeting them; led projects in community and Inspired others by making positive changes in her own or others’ lives.
• Demonstrated excellence in Sports / Academics / Leadership / Entrepreneurship / Arts / Culture / Music & Entertainment / International or Regional Achievements, Spiritual Involvement / Environment
• Demonstrated Skills / leadership in her community in the area of peace building

Examples of Nominees in this Category can be Young Professionals, Community Leaders, Activists and others.

Further notes to consider when nominating:

• The nominator can be anyone, both citizen and non-citizen of Papua New Guinea. The nominator can also be the nominee (nominating themselves).
• The nominee must be a female citizen of Papua New Guinea.
• Except for the Young Leader Award, there are no age restrictions for Nominees.
• Nominators should ensure all background information provided in support of the nominee are accurate, truthful, and verifiable. Online Links, Newspaper Clippings, Pictures, Stories, or witness statements are accepted.

I’ve completed my application. What do I do next?

You can do any of the following to submit your application:

• Label and drop off your nomination in an envelope to any City Pharmacy, Hardware Haus or Stop and Shop Retail Store Nationwide.
• Fill out the online application form on this page
• Email to cplfoundation@cpl.com.pg OR
• Send with the Post Office to CPL Group, PO BOX 1663 Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea.

What happens after my nomination is lodged?

Nominations are open from May 1^st to July 19^th. After the nomination period closes, applications will be sorted into categories and reviewed by a panel of Independent Judges, after which the head judge of each category will shortlist the top three finalists. All verification checks will be conducted in this time.

The finalists will then be announced via the media on August 2^nd. Following this, arrangements will be made for video shooting and content production with the finalists.

The Finalists will then be flown to Port Moresby, to participate in the Awards Ceremony on August 30^th, at the APEC Haus.

• All Shortlisted Finalists and their stories will be shared via various media formats to the public, to give further exposure to their work. They will also receive Commemorative Medals, Certificates, and prizes from CPL Group.
• The Overall Category Winner, will receive their award, as well as further support by CPL Foundation after the Awards to further their community initiatives.