Meri Tradies PNG held their International Women’s Day event with a focus on the power of women lifting all women in trades.
Port Moresby Technical College (POMTECH) recently came alive with women tradies, including fitters and turners, electricians, mechanics, automotive, welders from across Port Moresby.
The event showcased the incredible talents of women currently working or training in trade skills, celebrating their contributions to their communities.
Trades are a lucrative pathway to employment for women in PNG, with a growing number of women entering into training in the trades.
Despite this growing interest, challenges such as limited training pathways, workplace barriers, and a lack of structured support systems persist.
Events like the Meri Tradies International Women’s Day event can help women in trades feel less isolated and more supported on their professional path.
The event provided a space to share stories, learn from role models and connect with other women working in the trades and inspire the next generation of women to consider taking up a role in trades.
Meri Tradies PNG is a non-profit organisation established in 2019 by Ms Doris Meliwane, an Automotive trainer with the former Australia Pacific Training Coalition.
The organisation is committed to empowering women and girls by expanding access to technical skills training, career awareness and opportunities, and mentorship program.
Meri Tradies champions the place for women in trades, because when women gain skills, communities grow stronger.
Through Pacific Australia Skills, Australia is honoured to support Meri Tradies to provide mentoring and training for women and girls in trades.
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Quotes for attribution:
Ms Lisa Yehimen, Heavy equipment fitter:
“I have been working for more than ten years; sometimes it has been hard because this trade is perceived and widely known to be for men,but having the chance to connect with other women also in trades has been a big support.”
“I love what I am doing and grateful this pathway has opened great job opportunities that provided financial support for my family.”
Ms Elsa Rireo Philip, Instrumentation Technology student, Don Bosco Technological Institute:
“I really wanted to do this course because I wanted to prove myself and other women that women can do trade courses that men do especially technical courses that require critical thinking and solution-oriented skills.”
“This journey is not easy but looking beyond, I see the potential, and I believe that it can lead to good well-paid opportunities in the future.”
Ms Ruth Dawa, Vice President of Meri Tradies:
"I am so happy to see more women progressing in their career in trades. I believe it is important for industry to invest meaningfully in their career development.”
“That is, to create clear pathways, providing sustained support, and elevating women into leadership roles. When women are empowered to lead, the entire industry becomes stronger and more inclusive."
A group shot at the Meri Trades IWD Event
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