Papua New Guinea's women's cricket team have contributed to the nation's sports success on the field, while top female administrators have shaped PNG sport off the field ©Getty Images

Papua New Guinea’s Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has honoured women in sport as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations by highlighting its women in leadership positions, the efforts of women at major Games, and promoting work done on gender equality.

From 2000 to 2016 there has been 60 per cent female representation on the PNGOC Board, the postcourier reports.

Within the organisation itself there is also a 60 per cent female representation, headed by the secretary general, Auvita Rapilla, who is also the first Papua New Guinea and Pacific female International Olympic Committee member.

Rapilla sits on four IOC Commissions.

Meanwhile, Karo Lelai, current President of the PNG Basketball Federation, is also chair of the Association of National Olympic Committees Athlete Commission as well as being chair of the Oceania National Olympic Committee Athlete Commission.

Rio 2016 taekwondo fighter Samantha Kassman has brought honour to Papua New Guinea as an active sporting figure, while other women have played key roles in the country's sporting administration ©Getty Images
Rio 2016 taekwondo fighter Samantha Kassman has brought honour to Papua New Guinea as an active sporting figure, while other women have played key roles in the country's sporting administration ©Getty Images

Tamzin Wardley was awarded an MBE in 2020 in recognition of her services to sports administration in Papua New Guinea.

She previously served on the PNGOC Board as treasurer, and is currently an executive on the Pacific Games Council as vice-president of finance.

She is also Team PNG Chef de Mission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

On the field, female athletes make up around 45 per cent of Team PNG and have contributed more than 50 per cent of medals earned since 2011, accounting for 67 per cent of the medals at the 2019 Pacific Games.

Rapila commented: "We continue to promote gender equality through our Gender Equity Committee and programmes."