Liza had always been passionate about mental health and providing quality care to those in need.
As a mental health practitioner in the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority for 15 years, she has seen the struggles and challenges faced by those with mental illnesses. But despite her dedication, she often felt limited in her role and unable to make a bigger impact.
To support women like Liza, who hold untapped potential as leaders within Papua New Guinea’s Healthcare system, the Australian Government’s PNG-Australia Transition to Health (PATH) Program designed the Sapotim Lida Program (SLP). Sapotim Lida Program coordinated the Senior Executive Women’s Program in West Sepik.
Liza described the training as challenging, with workshops, and group activities designed to equip healthcare workers with increased knowledge, skills, confidence, and a better understanding of their leadership style that included highlighting their strengths and areas that they could improve on. Liza came away from the training, inspired by her own potential as a leader.
Applying leadership skills in an emergency response
Little did she know at the time of receiving the training, that her newfound confidence and skills in public speaking, and presenting would be put to the test in an emergency context.
When a major landslide engulfed villages in Maip Mulitaka, Enga Province, Liza was deployed to provide immediate support to the affected community and ealthcare staff in the province. Having received not only leadership training but also gender sensitisation training, Liza was confident in her own capabilities as a female practitioner, leader and expert in her field.
Liza conducted not only the clinical assessment of survivors but also the Psychological First Aid training to healthcare staff. This meant she was able to provide crucial assistance to the survivors, helping them cope with the traumatic experience and equip healthcare staff to provide this support ongoing. Liza was selected to go to Mulitaka to deliver this training not once but twice, deploying a second time after being recognised by her superiors for her outstanding work.
Transitioning to national-level leadership
She realised that she could make a difference not just in her Province, but on a National Level as well. In late 2024, Liza successfully secured a role with
the Directorate of Social Change and Mental Health within the National Department of Health.
Liza has accepted the position, knowing that she will now lead and draft the scope of National Nursing Standards for Mental Health Services in Papua New Guinea.
Liza’s journey from mental health practitioner to a national leader is a testament to her determination, passion, and the transformative power of women’s leadership training.
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