Papua New Guinea
“My passion is to help people to be better and to look at things positively,” says Jean Jano. “The Australia Awards scholarship has helped me to look at myself, my strengths and weaknesses and to improve my environment.”
This sums up Jean’s approach to her work, delivering training and coaching to empower women as leaders across Eastern Highlands.
In 2017, Jean completed a Diploma of Leadership and Management through Australia Awards PNG, at TAFE Queensland. She now uses the knowledge gained from her studies to run leadership training with community organisations through Eastern Highlands Family Voice and as National Program Advisor with Four Square. There has been so much demand for her training, that one organisation is now replicating her leadership and financial literacy courses to all districts in the province.
Jean credits her studies with giving her the tools she needs to deliver this important work. “I really appreciate the experience and the time that I had with Australia Awards,” she explains. “I find that what I have learned has enhanced me as a woman leader in the space where Papua New Guinea has the mentality of male dominance in the workplace. It has enabled me, and equipped me with tools, to stand apart and to be confident in how I facilitate things, and for myself.”
Fighting for greater women’s participation in her current role has resulted in four women being appointed as leaders at Four Square and in local level government, attributing their success to a better understanding of leadership. In addition, Jean has successfully applied for funding to progress women-focused initiatives.
As we celebrate PNG National Women’s Day, Jean has a clear message. “One thing I would rejoice and celebrate is the realisation that you need women’s voices at all levels,” she says. What I’m seeing now is men are listening, and women’s voices are being heard at the government level.”
Jean remains determined to keep spreading her impact and empowering women in her community and across PNG. Her latest initiative is to register a non-government organisation working with the church and village leaders, to coach young couples and mentor young girls in positive living. “I hope that it will trigger change,” she says.