The Minister for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Hon Paul Bosawai, has described the Permanent Secretary’s Women’s Leadership Award as an important milestone for the ministry and the country.
He shared this message in his keynote address during the Women in Leadership Awards launch event held on 10th December at the Heritage Park Hotel.
The Minister said the country is celebrating progress and moving forward with confidence to ensure women’s leadership is clearly seen, valued, and supported throughout the health system.
“We are celebrating progress and we are stating clearly and confidently that we want a health system where women’s leadership is visible, valued and supported at every level,” Bosawai said.
He explained that the Permanent Secretary’s Women’s Leadership Initiative matters because women already play a major role in delivering health services across the country.
“Our health system is carried forward by thousands of women in clinics, hospitals, remote communities, provincial services and specialised areas,” he said. “Their work stands alongside the work of men, and together they form the backbone of health service delivery.”
The Minister encouraged women to step into leadership roles if they choose to and assured them of continued support.
“Women’s leadership strengthens systems. It improves care, brings different perspectives, and helps create workplace cultures where people feel respected and safe,” he said.
Bosawai said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to gender equality, equity, good governance, workforce development, and safe and inclusive workplaces.
He added that it also supports the National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2031, especially in areas of leadership, governance, and workforce reforms.
The Women in Leadership Initiative marks an important step forward for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and reflects a strong commitment to creating clear pathways for women to grow, lead, and shape the future of healthcare in the country.
