WLI welcomes 30 emerging leaders accepted to join the prestigious Women’s Developmental Leadership Program in 2025.
The successful applicants from nine Pacific Island countries (Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) are Australia Awards scholars who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.
Through the program, each participant will be supported to develop their own leadership style by building key leadership skills, behaviours, and networks to help them drive positive development change in the Pacific region.
As alumni of the program, the women will continue to access bespoke support to exercise leadership, including through access to the Leadership Fund to address development challenges in their own countries.
2025 Women’s Developmental Leadership Program participants
From Fiji:
- Laisana Rakula, Western Sydney University
From Kiribati:
- Bwebwenikai Rabwere, James Cook University
- Kabure Takaria, The University of Western Australia
- Kareketaake Uriam, The Australian National University
- Tokarake Terube, Macquarie University
From Nauru:
- Enoli Tsitsi, Griffith University
- Jeruska Togoran, Griffith University
From Papua New Guinea:
- Ayesha Boeha, RMIT University
- Elizabeth Inaido, The University of Newcastle
- Farive Hamena, Bond University
- Fiona Amani, Macquarie University
- Jean Milthres Boie, Monash University
- Joanne Atava, Deakin University
- Makonong Kumpio, Australian Catholic University
- Natasha Philip, Central Queensland University
- Thelma Sikalu, University of the Sunshine Coast
From Samoa
- Sinaleteuila Tenari-Maualaivao, Victoria University
- Theresa Fitisone, The University of Queensland
From Solomon Islands:
- Lois Erekali, University of Wollongong
- Nancy Diamana, The Australian National University
- Simaema Neilsen, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Tracy Toke, The University of Western Australia
- Vanessa Rodie, The Australian NationalUniversity
From Tonga:
- Esterlina Alipate, University of Adelaide
- Malia Kaitapu, Victoria University
- Silioti Kata, Griffith University
- Tiueti Fangupo, Western Sydney University
From Tuvalu:
- Malo Tupulaga, Deakin University
- Susana Kausea, The University of Melbourne
From Vanuatu:
- Malietasi Bulu, Victoria University
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The WLI team extends its sincere thanks to the many scholars who applied to participate in the program.
We encourage all unsuccessful applicants to re-apply for the 2026 Women’s Developmental Leadership Program (in late 2025) and to keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in the online LeadershipConnect program.
