Two young women have been recognized as winners of the British High Commission’s ‘Diplomat for a Day’ Essay Competition, following a competitive selection process that attracted more than 80 entries.
The winners, Shonaye Leslie and Toa' Lea Saguba, impressed judges with essays focused on addressing digital violence against women and girls, including cyberbullying and online harassment. Their submissions explored both the challenges faced in digital spaces and practical solutions to create safer online environments.
The competition targeted young women aged between 18 and 25, encouraging them to use their voices to advocate for gender equality and raise awareness about the growing issue of online abuse. Participants highlighted the lack of local data on digital violence in Papua New Guinea, drawing on global trends to contextualize the issue nationally.
As part of their prize, the winners took part in a two-day immersive experience, shadowing diplomats and engaging with representatives from various international missions and organizations, including UN agencies and foreign high commissions. The experience provided insight into diplomacy and its role in shaping policies and driving social change.
The winners also shared key solutions in their essays, including promoting digital safety education, encouraging respectful online behavior, and fostering collaboration between communities, organizations, and institutions to address online violence.
Both women expressed hope that their work would empower others to speak out, report abuse, and use digital platforms responsibly. They emphasized the importance of awareness, open dialogue, and collective action in building safer and more inclusive online spaces for women and girls.
British High Commissioner-designate H. E. Paul Eastwood commended the participants and encouraged young women to be visible and vocal leaders.
"Their thoughtful essays and advocacy were truly inspiring."
"We hope they will carry the lessons from this experience forward into their future careers and daily lives."
He added that this year's theme was both timely and critical.
"Ensuring that women and girls can participate safely and confidently in the digital space is crucial to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future."
The two women will further represent Papua New Guinea at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne Australia, where they will join young women leaders from across the region to champion discussions on gender equality and women's rights.
