This October, Caritas Australia’s generous community of supporters, partners and friends came together for two inspiring afternoons of generosity, solidarity and action, standing alongside women and families in Papua New Guinea.

Now in its 13th year, Women for the World took place in Sydney on 9 October before returning to Melbourne on 30 October for the first time since 2019. The two events raised a combined total of more than $320,000 to support better maternal healthcare for women and babies in rural PNG.

This year, Women for the World focused on the importance of safer births and access to quality healthcare for women and babies in PNG. Guests heard about the significant barriers many women in remote communities face, including long journeys to health facilities, limited transport and shortages of essential healthcare services.

Through Caritas Australia’s partnership with Catholic Church Health Services, the Health Strengthening Project is helping improve healthcare in remote communities. With support from the Australian Government, the project is renovating health infrastructure, improving maternity and clinical facilities, providing essential medical equipment and supporting training for healthcare workers.

Geraldine Doogue AO, Women for the World Ambassador, MC’d both events, bringing to life stories from her recent visit to Papua New Guinea with Caritas Australia.

At both events, Nicole Chehine, Caritas Australia’s Engagement Director, reflected on her visit to Papua New Guinea with Geraldine Doogue. She shared the realities faced by women seeking maternal healthcare, but also the strength, dignity and determination of the women, healthcare workers and communities they met.

Guests also heard from Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers, who reflected on the broader importance of standing alongside women around the world so that they can thrive.

One of the women whose story was shared was Rose, a mother of nine in rural Papua New Guinea. Her experience highlighted the importance of having safe healthcare available close to home during pregnancy and childbirth, and the difference reliable maternal healthcare can make for women, babies and their communities.

Alongside raffles and silent auctions, supporters were invited to take part in Safer Births Giving Days, with matched donations helping amplify their impact. More than $210,000 was raised in connection with the Sydney Women for the World event, while over $110,000 was raised from the Melbourne luncheon.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Sydney and Melbourne, donated, volunteered, shared the campaign and helped make Women for the World 2026 possible. Your generosity is helping bring safer, more reliable healthcare closer to women and families in Papua New Guinea.

A special thanks to CommBank for their generous support in hosting the Sydney Women for the World event.