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International Women's Day

Celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of Pacific women.

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Honour Her

Recognize and show appreciation of the sacrifices and hard work of our dearest mothers. It’s her we turn to when needs arise. Thank you.

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Advocacy & Networking

Enabling women to develop strong networks locally and nationally, taking advantage of our international connections.

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Personal Well-being & Professional Development

Providing authentic leadership on women’s issues and building the capability of emerging women and girl leaders.

International Women’s Day

Home » Get Informed » International Women’s Day

“tiny droplets of us together can make an ocean of difference”

Oceanic pride at its finest, as the Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network (PWPBN) Inc celebrate International Women’s Day annually.

Each year, PWPBN gathers women (and their families) from all corners to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th. It is a day of celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Explore our upcoming and past International Women’s Day celebrations

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International Women’s Day 2025

IWD Profile 2025: Minerva Patu

IWD Profile 2025: Minerva Patu

Minerva Patu is a dynamic businesswoman, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a proud Pacific community leader whose influence spans generations.

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IWD Profile 2025: Amanda Babet-Thompson

IWD Profile 2025: Amanda Babet-Thompson

Amanda Babet-Thompson is a true Operations Guru with a strong foundation in Information Technology, known for making complex systems work smoothly while centering people and purpose.

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IWD Profile 2025: Stephanie Spooner

IWD Profile 2025: Stephanie Spooner

Stephanie Spooner is a dynamic Business Specialist and Capability Lead at Telstra, based in Australia, whose leadership, integrity, and quiet strength have earned her the admiration of colleagues and communities alike.

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IWD Profile 2025: Caroline (Thelma) Vuki

IWD Profile 2025: Caroline (Thelma) Vuki

Caroline (Thelma) Vuki is the Deputy Principal for Years 7, 9, and 11 at Rooty Hill High School in New South Wales, Australia. As a dedicated educator and woman of faith, she plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students and staff alike.

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IWD Profile 2025: Lara Va’a

IWD Profile 2025: Lara Va’a

Lara Va’a is a seasoned and highly respected professional, known for her meticulous attention to detail, credibility, and strategic leadership.

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IWD Profile 2025: Annette Posimani

IWD Profile 2025: Annette Posimani

Annette Posimani has crafted an interesting career. First employment was as a NZ trained Police Officer she enjoyed the role for over 5 years leaving with a plan to pursue specialisation in child, youth, and family.

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IWD Profile 2025: Rozina Shekhar

IWD Profile 2025: Rozina Shekhar

Rozina Shekhar who hails from Ba, Fiji is a Clinical Nurse Consultant specialising in Dementia and Delirium in the South West District with over 35 years of experience in aged care.

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IWD Profile 2025: Leola Small

IWD Profile 2025: Leola Small

Leola Small is a seasoned marketing and business development professional based in Sydney, Australia, currently serving as the Head of Growth at Academy Xi, an education management company.

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IWD Profile 2025: Maherau Arona

IWD Profile 2025: Maherau Arona

Maherau Arona is a dedicated community leader and advocate actively involved in initiatives that empower Pacific communities in New South Wales, Australia.

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IWD Profile 2025: Lily Roberts

IWD Profile 2025: Lily Roberts

Lily is currently the Executive Manager, People and Culture at Community First Step (CFS), where she has returned to her roots in the community sector.

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IWD Profile 2025: Melissa Malu

IWD Profile 2025: Melissa Malu

We want to take a moment to shine a light on Melissa Malu, Head of Pasifika Collections and Engagement at the Australian Museum and a former Board member of PWPBN.

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IWD Profile 2025: Lydia Tofaeono

IWD Profile 2025: Lydia Tofaeono

Lydia Tofaeono is an incredible young woman whose passion for helping others shines brightly in our community! For over three and a half years, Lydia has dedicated herself to the charity Prosper (Project Australia).

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IWD Profile 2025: Lautoa Faletau

IWD Profile 2025: Lautoa Faletau

Lautoa Faletau is currently a Pacific Development Specialist based in ACT with extensive expertise in regional security, stakeholder engagement, program facilitation and delivery, as well as gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI).

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IWD Profile 2025: Lizzie Wong

IWD Profile 2025: Lizzie Wong

Lizzie Wong, Chair of the Fiji Diaspora Women’s Alliance, is a dedicated advocate for Pasifika women, leading initiatives to empower their health, wellbeing and safety.

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IWD Profile 2025: Rebecca Tongia

IWD Profile 2025: Rebecca Tongia

Rebecca Tongia is a dynamic leader and advocate for women’s empowerment in the trades industry, and is the driving force behind the Pasifika Women in Trades Program at TAFE NSW Miller.

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2-Day International Women’s Day 2024

EmpowHer: Celebrating “Women from the Sea of Islands”

Drawing inspiration from the late Professor Epeli Hau’ofa’s ‘Sea of Islands’ concept, which emphasizes unity among diverse islands, we echo the sentiment of the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, “Count Her In.” This underlines our commitment to fostering inclusivity and recognition for every Pacific woman and girl.

Our celebration spans two days, featuring a “Voyage to Leadership” Symposium for young Pacific women and girls on March 1, 2024, followed by the annual Frangipani Gala fundraiser on March 2, 2024. The symposium’s first day focuses on empowering young Pacific women, uniting them in a cross-cultural welcome ceremony. The grand gala on the second day applauds the achievements of women and girls from NSW, Australia, and the wider Pacific region.

International Women’s Day 2024 – Message from the PWPBN Chair

Happy International Women’s Day to inspiring women and girls! Our recent Leadership Symposium emphasized a crucial message: ‘Empowered women, through faith, share, empower, and inspire.’ Your strength, courage, and determination are pillars of our community’s progress.

International Women’s Day 2024 Frangipani Gala

Don’t miss out on the Frangipani Gala 2024, on 2nd March, Holiday Inn Parramatta our annual fundraiser, as we celebrate ‘Women from the Sea of Islands’ in honor of International Women’s Day.

March – April 2023 Embrace Equity

International Women’s Day is a momentous occasion for Pacific women to come together and reaffirm their commitment to embracing equity.

This day serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made towards gender equality, as well as the work that still needs to be done. It is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Pacific women, while also recognizing the systemic barriers they continue to face. By working together, Pacific women can help build a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #EmbraceEquity

2023 Frangipani Gala

The Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network hosted its inaugural Frangipani Gala that included several exciting activities.

More Opportunities For Women

It is important for young women to have a good network system that seeks opportunities to develop experience and skills, says fashion designer, Hupfield Hoerder.

2023 Get to Know

2023 Get to Know

Pacific women are a diverse and dynamic group of individuals, with unique cultures, experiences, and perspectives....

March – April 2022 The Gift of Giving

The Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 #BreakTheBias with a series of Gift of Giving events.

The inaugural standing ovation interview with THE Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister of Samoa and the Originals Friends4Fiame by the Chair of PWPBN, Loau Donina Va’a. A night of empowerment: shinning the light on our Sheroes from the Pacific, women of strength share authentic wisdom through their experiences and moving stories with laughter and joy, taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane acknowledging women that cheered them on.

Paint with me Session with Travelling Artist Jessie-Rae Costello and Beautiful Make-up and few tips on musical vocals and marketing by vocal sensation Marina Davis.

Paint With Me: Jessie-Rae Costello

Paint With Me: Jessie-Rae Costello

Painting with the GIFT of Giving. Jessie shares her story as a travelling artist and how she adapted in times of COVID19.

Beautiful Makeup: Marina Davis

Beautiful Makeup: Marina Davis

An incredible and most extraordinary experience for our Pacific women local and internationally to share the reality of a successful woman’s journey – Ms Marina Davis!

Women in Leadership

Women in Leadership

COVID-19 brings the world to a halt, and we embraced the change to a virtual world, celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 talking to Pacific women leading the way.

Equal for Equal

Equal for Equal

International Women’s Day Celebration 2020, PWPBN’s 4th International Women’s Day, celebrating this year’s theme ‘Each for Equal’.

More Powerful Together

International Women’s Day “More Powerful Together” Awards Dinner 2019 pays tribute to brilliant Pacific women living in Australia who are driving important change through their passions and purpose.

Leave No Woman Behind

Inspiring change for a better future for our Pacific girls and women requires Pacific women not only to be seen, but to be heard

Celebrate Pacific Women Brilliance

Celebrate Pacific Women Brilliance

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 “Celebrate Brilliance” event was hosted by the Pacific Women’s Professional and Business Network (PWPBN), inspired a commitment of over 100 women who attended the event in celebration and recognition of the achievements of Pacific women within the field of business and other professions.

Pacific Women's Professional & Business Network
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