Australia’s new Ambassador for Women and Girls Dr Sharman Stone is visiting Papua New Guinea from 6 February to 9 February 2017. Her visit to Papua New Guinea is her first official international trip as Ambassador for Women and Girls.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop appointed Dr Stone as Australia’s third Ambassador for Women and Girls on 21 November 2016. Dr Stone took up her position in January 2017.
Dr Stone has a distinguished 20-year career in the Australian Parliament, progressing major issues that affect women and girls, including the elimination of child marriages, human trafficking and poverty reduction.
As Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Stone will continue to promote Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea to improve gender equality and women’s empowerment in Papua New Guinea.
(L-R) Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone, Eastern Highlands Province Governor Hon. Julie Soso, United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ms Catherine Ebert-Grey and Lynda Babao, wife of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill at the Papua New Guinea Women's Forum in Goroka.
Dr Stone is visiting Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province this week to attend the Papua New Guinea Women’s Forum co-hosted by the United States Embassy with support from Australia. The forum will bring together women and men particularly from the highlands to discuss women in leadership and economic opportunities.
Dr Stone will be engaging and sharing experiences with Papua New Guinea women leaders at the Forum, while also reaffirming Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea to better gender outcomes.
Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone, with bilum artist, Ms Florence Jaukae Kamel (in bilum dress), and women bilum weavers in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.
“Australia and Papua New Guinea share a strong relationship. I am glad that this visit to Papua New Guinea is the first visit in my new role as Ambassador for Women and Girls. I look forward to continuing our partnership to improve the lives of women and girls in Papua New Guinea. This will unlock development for all,” Dr Stone said.