Women Influencing and Leading (WLI) is proud to announce the 30 emerging scholars accepted into the Womens Leadership Program 2025.
These accomplished women from nine Pacific Island countries – Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu – are Australia Awards scholars who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.
Through the program, each participant will be supported to develop their own leadership style by building key leadership skills, behaviours, and networks to help them drive positive development change in the Pacific region.
As alumni of the program, the women will continue to access bespoke support to exercise leadership, including through access to the Leadership Fund to address development challenges in their own countries.
Program Goals and Structure
The Womens Leadership Program 2025 is not only about learning; it is about applying knowledge to real challenges. The program focuses on three key areas:
- Leadership Skills Development – Scholars participate in workshops, mentoring and peer learning sessions that explore effective communication, strategic thinking, conflict resolution and decision-making.
- Building Professional Networks – The program connects scholars with Pacific and Australian leaders, creating opportunities for collaboration and mentorship that continue well beyond the program’s end.
- Driving Development Outcomes – Scholars are encouraged to design and implement initiatives in their home countries that address social, economic or environmental challenges.
As part of the program, each scholar works on an individual leadership project, applying new skills to a real-world issue. This hands-on approach ensures that learning is practical and relevant to the Pacific context.
Support Beyond Graduation
Graduates of the Womens Leadership Program remain connected through the WLI Alumni Network, which provides ongoing access to tailored resources and opportunities. One of the most significant forms of support is the Leadership Fund, which alumni can apply to for funding to deliver projects that address pressing development challenges in their own communities.
This continued engagement ensures that the impact of the program extends far beyond the initial training period, helping to sustain momentum for positive change across the Pacific.
Womens Leadership Program 2025 participants
From Fiji:
- Laisana Rakula, Western Sydney University
From Kiribati:
- Bwebwenikai Rabwere, James Cook University
- Kabure Takaria, The University of Western Australia
- Kareketaake Uriam, The Australian National University
- Tokarake Terube, Macquarie University
From Nauru:
- Enoli Tsitsi, Griffith University
- Jeruska Togoran, Griffith University
From Papua New Guinea:
- Ayesha Boeha, RMIT University
- Elizabeth Inaido, The University of Newcastle
- Farive Hamena, Bond University
- Fiona Amani, Macquarie University
- Jean Milthres Boie, Monash University
- Joanne Atava, Deakin University
- Makonong Kumpio, Australian Catholic University
- Natasha Philip, Central Queensland University
- Thelma Sikalu, University of the Sunshine Coast
From Samoa
- Sinaleteuila Tenari-Maualaivao, Victoria University
- Theresa Fitisone, The University of Queensland
From Solomon Islands:
- Lois Erekali, University of Wollongong
- Nancy Diamana, The Australian National University
- Simaema Neilsen, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Tracy Toke, The University of Western Australia
- Vanessa Rodie, The Australian NationalUniversity
From Tonga:
- Esterlina Alipate, University of Adelaide
- Malia Kaitapu, Victoria University
- Silioti Kata, Griffith University
- Tiueti Fangupo, Western Sydney University
From Tuvalu:
- Malo Tupulaga, Deakin University
- Susana Kausea, The University of Melbourne
From Vanuatu:
- Malietasi Bulu, Victoria University
A Regional Network of Change-Makers
The diversity of backgrounds and expertise among the Womens Leadership Program 2025 scholars is one of the program’s greatest strengths. By bringing together scholars from nine nations, the program fosters a network of leaders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Pacific region.
Many scholars will go on to influence policy, lead community organisations, and mentor the next generation of Pacific leaders. Their collective impact will help advance gender equality, strengthen governance, and contribute to sustainable development goals.Looking Ahead
The WLI team extends its sincere thanks to the many scholars who applied to participate in the Womens Leadership Program 2025.
While not every applicant could be selected this year, WLI encourages those who were unsuccessful to reapply for the 2026 Womens Leadership Program (in late 2025) and to keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in the online LeadershipConnect program.
