WOW: It’s on again this year

 By CARMELLA GWARE

The 2013 Westpac outstanding women awards, formerly known as Westpac women in business awards, is open for nominations.

Westpac managing director Ashleigh Matheson described the event as an opportunity to recognise the hard-working women in the country.

“It is truly remarkable to see so many women achieving exceptional things in this country on a daily basis but often go unacknowledged,” Matheson said.

“We hope to change this by putting them on a pedestal and celebrating their achievements.”

Overall winner of the 2012 awards and manager of corporate governance at the Papua New Guinea Sustainable Development Programme, Susil Nelson, said winning the award brought greater recognition to the activities she was involved in.

“I think the most common trait women share is undervaluing the contributions we make to our workplaces and communities,” Nelson said.

“I had heard of the Westpac outstanding women awards but always thought I would not qualify for such an award until my wonderful partner nominated me”.

Nelson said the award enhanced her performance, enabling her to connect with networks like the Commonwealth, international non-governmental orga­nisations and bilateral aid organisations.

“I would like to encourage the women here to nominate someone you think is eligible and deserves recognition,” she said.