PNG female duo selected for 2025 FIBA Oceania WiLead Program

PNG’s Hannah Kuwimb from Mt. Hagen and Kathy Araea from Alotau have joined the 2025 FIBA Oceania WiLEAD Program.

The Basketball Federation of Papua New Guinea (BFPNG) is proud to announce that Hannah Kuwimb and Kathy Araea will be participating in the 2025 FIBA Oceania WiLEAD Program, an elite leadership initiative for women in basketball across the Pacific.

Hosted in Canberra, Australia, and supported by PacificAus Sports, the WiLEAD Program brings together 15 emerging female leaders from eight national federations for a transformative experience in sports leadership. 

Participants were engaged through online learning and keynote sessions. They now journey to the in-person workshops and internship placements designed to strengthen regional collaboration and elevate women’s roles in basketball.

“This is one of the first steps in the right direction,” said Delisha Koime, BFPNG Program Quality Lead.

“We’re proud to see Hannah and Kathy take on this opportunity. Their selection reflects our commitment to creating pathways for women—not just to play basketball, but to lead, inspire, and shape its future.”

As part of the WiLEAD cohort, Kuwimb and Araea will receive world-class training in sports administration, coaching, and community engagement. 

This milestone aligns with BFPNG’s renewed focus on gender equity and marks a bold step toward a more inclusive and dynamic future for basketball in Papua New Guinea.