2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards
Nominations are now open!
Celebrating and recognising the achievements of exceptional women and their contributions to workplaces, businesses and the economy.
About
The Westpac Outstanding Women (WOW) Awards began in Papua New Guinea in 2002 and has become Westpac’s flagship recognition program and the first national award to honour women’s economic contributions.
The awards celebrate the remarkable impact PNG women make in workplaces, businesses, communities, and the wider economy. At Westpac, we believe these women deserve more than recognition, they deserve to be seen as powerful role models for other women and girls across the country.
Over the years, many WOW recipients have gone on to achieve extraordinary accomplishments, influencing positive change across Papua New Guinea and the region.
Award Categories
Public Sector Award
In addition to fulfilling the awards criteria, this award recognises outstanding achievement by a female manager in the public sector who has contributed significantly to the performance of any government service.
Private Sector Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards Criteria, this Award recognises outstanding achievements by a female manager in the private and corporate sector who has contributed significantly to the performance and growth of a company.
Not-For-Profit Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards Criteria, this Award recognises outstanding achievement by a woman in the Not-for profit sector, either in a voluntary position or through a role within the organization.
Sports & Arts Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards criteria, this award recognises exceptional women who use their sports or artistic talents to inspire, educate, preserve cultural heritage and drive social change through creativity and innovation.
Entrepreneur Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards Criteria, this Award recognises outstanding achievement by a woman with at least a 50% shareholding in an organization.
Sustainability Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards Criteria, this Award recognises outstanding achievement by a woman working to advocate and drive significant innovative and sustainable initiatives in their community.
Young Achiever Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards Criteria, this Award recognises outstanding achievement by a young woman in any category under the age of 35.
Overall Winning Award
In addition to fulfilling the Awards criteria, this award recognises exceptional women in Papua New Guinea who fulfills the key award criteria of leadership, good governance, innovation and success, values and sustainability.
Awards Prize Package for Winners
Each Category Winner (7 total) Receives:
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip to the prestigious WOW Awards Event , including premium travel, accommodation, and event access.
- Customized Trophy/Plaque celebrating their category win.
- PKD 5,000 Grant to fuel future growth.
Overall Winner Receives:
- Exclusive Invitation to a high-profile Australian event (e.g., SXSW Sydney, WOW Summit, or Westpac Foundation Summit), including travel and accommodation.
2025 WOWA Awards Highlight
2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Award Winners
Meet our seven exceptional category winners and overall WOW Award winner for 2025.