Cricket PNG officially launched the Girls Empowerment Through Cricket (GET) program at Amini Park on Saturday 30 May

The program is a joint initiative between Cricket PNG, the Australian Government and the International Cricket Council and targets high school girls in PNG.

The GET program aims to increase the number of girls playing regular cricket in PNG, while also educating the girls on topics such as nutrition, financial literacy, career and education options, and leadership. Cricket PNG has partnered with several non-government organisations for the delivery of the education sessions and is employing national women’s cricketers to deliver the cricket clinics and competition.

Australian women’s cricket team star Alyssa Healy, was a special guest at the launch as part of the Australia Week celebrations in PNG, alongside Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Her Excellency Ms Deborah Stokes.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Stokes said: “We would like to see more women and girls in PNG participating in cricket. Sport is good for your health and good for your community and it provides opportunities for women and girls to show what they can do and build confidence.

“The GET program will provide women and girls with wider health messages and promote equality between boys and girls and men and women. I would like to thank everyone who is involved with the program.”

Cricket PNG General Manager Greg Campbell said: “The aim of the program is to increase female participation in cricket and empower them with social awareness messages. The Pacific MMI PNG Lewas will be seen as role models in the community for young girls to take up cricket and at the same time hopefully inspire the next female leaders of PNG.”

Ms Healy said that empowering women through sport is an exciting prospect for talented PNG female cricketers.

“I would hope that the GET program gives young girls a chance to one day represent PNG in a women’s cricket World Cup,” Ms Healy concluded.