Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender diversity in corporate governance by officially launching its third training program for female company directors. Managing Director Professor David Kavanamur welcomed 31 participants to the program at an event in Port Moresby, marking the largest cohort to date.

Since its inception four years ago, the program has served as a cornerstone of KCH’s strategy to increase female representation on the boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The initiative is supported by key development partners, including the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the PNG Institute of Directors.

With the completion of the first two cohorts, KCH has now prepared 34 women for board-level service. Upon finishing this current program, participants will be added to the KCH and PNGID director databases, significantly enhancing their visibility and creating pathways to board roles within SOEs and the wider corporate sector.

This year’s program marks a major milestone by expanding beyond Papua New Guinea to include seven participants from the Solomon Islands, with the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  The curriculum has also been bolstered to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the complexities of modern governance.

The initiative is delivering measurable results. Professor Kavanamur reported that since the program’s launch in 2021, women’s representation on SOE boards has surged from 2% to 19%.

“Together, we’re not just building skills,” said Professor Kavanamur. “We are shaping the future of corporate leadership in PNG and across the Pacific.”

KCH remains steadfast in its goal to reach 30% female representation on SOE boards by the end of 2026.