NHC Celebrates National Women’s Day; Acknowledges Female Officers

On March 24, 2025, female officers of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) celebrated National Women’s Day by hosting a luncheon at the Golden Bowl Restaurant in Waigani, Port Moresby. The event was attended by invited guests and senior NHC officers.

Among the invited guests were Eleanor Gebone, National President of the PNG Association of Administrative Professionals; Sunil Nelson Kongoi, Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Institute of Banking and Business Management; Mea Lou Issau from the PNG Association of Administrative Professionals; Anthony Luke, Executive Director of Corporate Services at NHC; and other senior NHC officers.

Speaking on behalf of NHC’s male officers and the Executive Management, Mr. Anthony Luke congratulated the women and expressed gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the National Housing Corporation.

“At the National Housing Corporation, we promote equality and empowerment. As you can see, many of our women hold managerial and general manager positions, demonstrating the trust we place in them within the workforce,” Mr. Luke said during the luncheon.

“We are here today to acknowledge and appreciate our female officers and general managers for their invaluable contributions to the National Housing Corporation.”

Guest speaker Eleanor Genone highlighted the challenges women face in the workplace, emphasizing that they have come a long way in becoming a strong force in the workforce—a journey worth celebrating.

“In the 1970s and 1980s, many women in administrative roles faced challenges such as being undervalued and underestimated. Our potential was not fully recognized. However, the women of those days laid the foundation for the breakthroughs we have achieved through determination, perseverance, and courage. We are not just assistants; we are professionals in our own right,” said Ms. Genone.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Sunil Nelson Kongoi, CEO of the PNG Institute of Banking and Business Management, stressed the importance of networking for personal and professional growth.

“When you network, you are actually building your net worth as a person. People get to know you, understand what you stand for, and, in turn, you get to know them. Networking makes you visible, and visibility creates opportunities. I have never applied for a job in my life—I have always been approached for positions. That is the power of networking,” Mrs. Kongoi said.

“The key is to know yourself and understand who you are as a person. You must have a belief system, values, and a sense of purpose. That way, when people ask about you, you can confidently speak for yourself.”

Images taken during the National Women’s Day Celebrations by the NHC

This event was a significant occasion for female officers at NHC, as the current Executive Management, under the leadership of Managing Director Abel Tol, continues to drive reforms and changes to strengthen the Corporation’s role in serving the people of Papua New Guinea. For these efforts to succeed, both men and women within NHC must perform equally and collaboratively.