Miss Bird of Paradise 2025-26, Iampela Popena, has encouraged young women across Papua New Guinea to believe in themselves and step forward as leaders.
She is also the first runner-up at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026.
Speaking as one of the guest speakers at the Family Fun Day, marking the National Women’s Day at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium yesterday, Miss Popena described the day as a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of women.
“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, courage of our women in Papua New Guinea,” she said.
“The journey that we have come, the growth, the pain, the sacrifices that we have endured as women.”
Miss Popena shared a personal message with the audience, highlighting an acronym she lives by.
“T-R-Y stands for To Never Restrict Yourself,” she told the audience.
“We as Papua New Guineans… underestimate ourselves, but I want to stand today to remind you all that there is hope in our nation.”
She emphasized the role of young women in shaping the country’s future.
“We have the power to either break or make the nation,” she said. “This all depends on the guidance, the investment of our leaders, our parents, and our communities.”
In her address, Popena likened women to a rose, symbolizing beauty and strength through adversity.
“The women of our country… are a rose, a flower that blooms beautifully in adversity and diversity,” she said.
She directed a strong message to young women and girls, encouraging them to recognize their potential.
“You all have a flame burning inside of you,” she said.
“Sometimes you may not see it, but it is there… you are the hope of our country and I believe in you.”
She urged young women and girls to embrace their identity and strength.
“Being a woman is not a weakness. It is a strength. Womanhood is our strength,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of unity among women.
“Sisterhood is very powerful,” she said. “I’d like us all today to come together in harmony in sisterhood and in womanhood.”
Encouraging mentorship and support across generations, she called on women to guide and protect one another.
“Look to the older ones… for strength and guidance… then look at your younger ones. Guide them. Protect them,” she said.
“Protection is what we need in this country.”
Miss Popena challenged young women not to let circumstances limit their ambitions.
“Do not let any circumstance or any person tell you that you are not good enough,” she said.
“Do not let any circumstance stop you from reaching your full potential.”
She also announced the launch of the 22 Provincial Participation initiative under the Miss Bird of Paradise platform, aimed at empowering young women across the country.
“The platform is more than just a pageant… it is a platform of leadership,” she said.
“Our aim… is to go into the district levels… find our daughters, empower them, uplift them.”
Miss Popena encouraged young women to step out of their comfort zones and take part.
“Be the person that steps out of their comfort zone,” she said.
“It builds you… you might even find your spark through this. I found mine.”
She acknowledged that leadership comes with challenges but stressed its importance.
“Being a leader is not easy… but as long as your light touches someone and inspires someone, that is the motivation that you need,” she said.
Calling on families and communities to support women, she emphasized the importance of a nurturing environment.
“Look to our daughters and our sisters. Guide them, protect them so that they may bloom and blossom,” she said.
“Thank you and Happy National Women’s Day 2026 to you all,” she concluded.