This week, the Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) invited the PNG Cancer Foundation to conduct cancer education and awareness sessions for OTML employees, students, community and business partners living in the Western Province townships of Tabubil, Bige and Kiunga. More than 300 women and school children participated in this initiative.

OWN was established in November 2017 as an OTML initiative to support the interest of women working in and associated with the Company. It is a voluntary not-for-profit group that advocates for, and seeks to empower, women to realise their potential through improved safety and health awareness and through professional development. OWN has grown rapidly to more than 200 active members.

Pictured is the PNGCF Programs Coordinator Ms. Loyla Mathew receiving the cheque for K10,000 from Ok  Tedi Women’s Network Chairperson Mrs. Tracey Hart at OTML’s head office in Tabubil, Western Province. The donation will be used by the PNGCF to educate women and raise awareness on the types of cancers currently affecting Papua New Guineans across the country.

In thanking the PNGCF team, Mrs Hart commented: “The awareness sessions were very informative. Not surprisingly the level of understanding about cancer was generally low. We are now much better informed about prevention of certain cancers through lifestyle choices and on early detection.”