Naomi and Liz

Naomi is committed to the protection of public and environmental health in Papua New Guinea. She works in the quality assurance of potable water and safe wastewater disposal in Port Moresby, and plans to develop sustainable wastewater treatment systems for small towns and communities in Papua New Guinea.

Naomi is also keen to advocate for stronger policies and legislation on health issues that arise from exposure to unsanitary conditions; and to mentor young women in the environmental health field.

With the knowledge gained from her Master’s degree and support from the Women’s Leadership Initiative, Naomi hopes to expand her professional and leadership networks, and increase the positive impact she can have on her country’s development.

Liz is experienced in leadership and management with a specialisation in governance. She worked in Timor-Leste for 17 years as Team Leader of the Australian Government-funded Governance for Development program; as an Operations Manager in the United Nations Development Program Governance Unit, in particular, the Justice and Parliament Support programs; and in other regulatory and human development roles.

Under her leadership, the Governance for Development program responded to the opportunity of including gender responsive budgeting in the revised program budget structures of Timor-Leste’s state budget. The program was also able to ensure inclusion of gender policies in the Public Service Commission’s 15-year strategic plan. This resulted in gender programs and gender activities being specified across the whole of government.