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
International Women’s Day 2025
IWD Profile 2025: Trina Bryan
Meet Trina, a passionate Yoga teacher and Reiki Energy Therapy Practitioner with over 11 years of experience in the practice of Yoga.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Priscilla Sedgwick
Priscilla Sedgwick is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in human resources, consulting, and fitness coaching.
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.
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Tracey Pouliva’ati
Tracey Pouliva’ati is a dedicated professional in the social services sector, specializing in mental health and community outreach.
IWD Profile 2025: Malaemie “Mal” Fruean
Malaemie “Mal” Fruean is a distinguished community leader and advocate for Pacific communities in New South Wales, Australia.
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.
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Sharda Jogia
Sharda Jogia, originally from the small town of Ba, Fiji, is a highly respected advocate for women’s empowerment.
IWD Profile 2025: Saefaetele Tuivanu (Tele)
Saefaetele Tuivanu (Tele) is currently the supervisor for Emerton Youth Recreation Centre where she he has worked for the past 10 years.
IWD Profile 2025: Tiana Echegaray
Tiana Echegaray is an Australian amateur boxer with Cook Islands & Argentinian heritage. Her boxing journey began at 26 years old in 2019.
IWD Profile 2025: Suliana Manuofetoa
Suliana hails from Tonga and has been working as a Registered Nurse for 12 years with 2 years specialising in Diabetes and 8 years in Neurology.
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Lesley Ieremia
Lesley Ieremia, a former PWPBN board member embodies the multifaceted roles of a wife, mother, sister, and a successful hospitality professional.
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Helen Vea
South Pacific Aromas is a Tongan owned business run by Helena Vea-Webber. It is a vibrant business that celebrates Pasifika culture.
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).
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).
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.
IWD Profile 2025: Dr. Olataga Alofivae-Doorbinnia
Dr. Olataga Alofivae-Doorbinnia is a powerful role model for Pasifika women, demonstrating leadership and strength in healthcare.
IWD Profile 2025: Teisa Lanumata
Teisa Lanumata is not only serving delicious meals but also creating meaningful connections and showcasing the vibrant culture of the islands.
IWD Profile 2025: Latai Taumoepeau
Renowned artist Latai Taumoepeau, uses faivā (performing art) grounded in Tongan philosophies of relational vā (space) and tā (time).
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.
Join Us for the International Women’s Day 2025 Eco-Friendly Market
Declutter. Recycle. Swap or Sell. Let’s celebrate by giving new life to preloved goodies and supporting sustainable shopping!
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.
Empowering Moments: Photo Collection from the Voyage to Leadership Symposium 2024
Explore our photo collection from the Voyage to Leadership Symposium in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024.
Voyage to Leadership Pacific Women’s Symposium 2024: Gratitude to Our Inspiring Presenters
As the waves of inspiration settle from our recent Voyage to Leadership Symposium, let’s take a moment to honor the transformative wisdom shared by our distinguished keynote and guest speakers.
PWPBN Unveils Inspirational Interim Leadership Plan at the 2024 Frangipani Gala 2nd March 2024 – Parramatta
The Pacific Women’s Professional Business Network proudly announces an interim leadership plan following Chair Loau Donina Vaa’s appointment as CEO of the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development for Samoa. Leadership Transition.
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.
Join the Hoerder Design Mentorship 2024-2025
Passionate about fashion design? Ready to elevate your skills? Apply now for our exclusive mentorship program! Share why you’re the perfect fit.
Sydney Event of the Year for Pasifika Women and their Friends Across the Community: Frangipani Gala 2024 – 2nd March
Get ready for a night that will ignite your spirit, fuel your determination, and immerse you in a vibrant celebration of culture as the highly anticipated Frangipani Gala returns in all its resplendent glory!
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 – Pacific Women’s Virtual Talanoa
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, we invite you to pay tribute to an inspiring Pacific woman or girl who has touched your life. Tell us why she is your source of inspiration through any creative means
Voyage to Leadership: Young Pacific Women’s Symposium 2024
Explore the Live Pacific Women Artisan exhibition, Ignite your political leadership potential and witness a special Pacific and Aboriginal welcome ceremony…plus so much more!
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.
Concept Note | Voyage to Leadership: Pasifika Young Women’s Symposium
The ‘Voyage to Leadership: Pasifika Young Women’s Symposium’ embarks on a transformative journey, inviting every woman to not merely be a passenger but a navigator on her path to leadership.
Save the Date 2024 for PWPBN’s International Women’s Day
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary celebration in 2024! Join us and be part of a celebration that honors and uplifts the remarkable women shaping our world!
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
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
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
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!
The Standing Ovation Interview with the Honourable Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and her friends
This year Samoa elected a woman as its head of government, only the second Pacific Island nation to do so – thanks in part to a network of women friends who supported her every step of the way.
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
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
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.








