Investing in Young Women Leaders Advances Rights, Justice and Action for Women and Girls

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” KTF’s Archer Leadership Development Program demonstrates the powerful impact of investing in young women leaders to shape a fairer and more inclusive future. Now in its sixteenth year, the program supports emerging leaders committed to driving positive social change across Papua New Guinea.2023 Archer Leader Courtneyella Dotson reflected on the significance of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, saying:

“Achieving rights, justice and action for all women and girls means empowering young women to lead and dismantle the barriers that limit their voices and opportunities. When young women are supported to step into leadership, they become powerful advocates for fairer laws, stronger protections and safer communities. This progress is strengthened when our counterparts stand with us as allies, taking action to advance equality and justice for all.”

Courtneyella is now putting these words into action in her role as an Anti-Corruption Help Desk Officer with Transparency International PNG.

Each year, KTF prioritises gender parity within the Archer Leadership Program, creating opportunities for young women to grow as leaders through workshops based on the Harvard Adaptive Leadership model, professional mentoring partnerships, industry work placements, tuition and resource support, and funding to implement community projects. Archer Leaders also participate in a once-in-a-lifetime leadership exchange to Australia, strengthening cross-cultural learning and networks.

The theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” highlights the need for deliberate action to ensure women and girls have equal access to opportunity, leadership and decision-making. Across Papua New Guinea, advancing these rights means creating environments where women are supported to lead and contribute fully to their communities. When women have the opportunity to develop their leadership potential, the benefits extend far beyond the individual - strengthening families, communities and future generations. 

Reflecting on the program, 2025 Archer Leader Kylie Sabarei shared:

“In PNG, we have a communal approach to everything. When you lift one of us, you lift a dozen more who stand behind us. Like the mulga tree, we are single branches of a larger tree that is our community - our tribes, our clans. The light given to Archer Leaders will always find its way back to brighten our local communities.”2025 Archer Leader, Lovanchor Dotson echoed this sentiment, adding: “We are someone’s daughter and someone’s son; we belong to people who carry us with careful pride and joy. So when you poured into each of us, you poured into our families, our villages, and our generations to come.” 

Selected from almost 345 applicants, the 2026 cohort includes six exceptional young women leaders studying across diverse fields:

• Tairah Taiap – Business & Accounting, PNG University of Technology

• Sophie Taroa – Primary Teaching, Innovative University of Enga

• Barbara Sigere – Chemistry, Pacific Adventist University

• Salome Kiap – Law, University of Papua New Guinea

• Alisha-Joy Gizoria – Dental Surgery, University of Papua New Guinea

• Vanessa Boga – Law, University of Papua New Guinea

For these young leaders, the program represents more than professional development - it is an investment in the future of their communities.

“Investing in women’s leadership is investing in sustainable progress,” said Sophie Taroa. “When women are empowered to lead, communities grow stronger, families thrive, and nations move forward. This program equips me with the knowledge, confidence and leadership capacity to give back meaningfully. As I grow, I am empowered to uplift others.’”

Vanessa Boga emphasised the importance of diverse leadership:

“Investing in women leaders drives inclusivity, challenges perspectives and brings diversity to decision-making, creating stronger and more impactful outcomes.”

Tairah Taiap added:

“Real progress happens when everyone has a seat at the table. When women are given the space, perspectives widen, decisions improve and real progress happens.”

Through the Archer Leadership Development Program, KTF continues to demonstrate that investing in young women is a critical step toward advancing rights, justice and action for women and girls - building stronger communities and a more prosperous future for Papua New Guinea.

The Archer Leadership Development Program is supported by the Fred P Archer Trust, managed via Perpetual Trustees, Kina Bank and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).