
Promoting Inclusion
The Australian Government is strongly committed to being at the forefront of efforts to empower women, promote gender equality and instil rights of people with disability. Social inclusion continues to be advanced across all efforts in the aid program, in foreign policy and in economic diplomacy.
Reflecting this commitment, Australia Awards PNG supports equal opportunity and access to women and people with disability. Women, people living with disability and people living in provinces are remote areas are strongly encouraged to apply for an Australia Awards PNG Scholarship and to participate in the Australia Awards and relevant alumni activities. Each year Australia Awards PNG reviews its support programs for people from disadvantaged groups to ensure the support is targeted, successful and sustainable.

Gender Equality
Empowering women to participate in the economy, leadership and education is integral for the Australian Government. Australia Awards PNG has a significant focus on gender equality throughout the whole scholarship cycle and ensures that women benefit from opportunities provided by the program.
Disability Inclusion
Australia Awards PNG encourages people with disability to apply for opportunities and provides support to ensure they can access opportunities equitably. For more information on the support available, see here.
Inclusion Stories
Boosting focus on inclusion in education and employment
“People with disabilities are experts in their own rights,”
says Maria John, an educator and advocate for disability inclusion.
Championing survivors counselling and mental health
Sarah Wagang Kasa, Australia Awards alumna and Mental Health Specialist, is championing improved access to mental health and counselling at the Family Support Centre at Angau General Hospital in Lae.
Teacher sets pathway for inclusive education
Beatrice Aristako is an inclusive education teacher who completed the Graduate Certificate in Disability Inclusion in 2022 at Queensland University of Technology, supported by Australia Awards PNG Short Course Awards. She is working to transform approaches to teaching to be more learner centred for children with disabilities in Bougainville to thrive in education.