Support Beth: A Pacific Woman's Leadership Journey

Bethseba Peni is a Provincial Surveillance Officer, that has been at the frontline of protecting communities in West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, for more than a decade. She has dedicated her career to safeguarding and promoting public health by collecting and interpreting surveillance data to predict and prevent outbreaks, while also supporting families during emergencies. From responding to sudden disease threats to strengthening systems of prevention, Beth’s work as a field epidemiologist has been a lifeline for her community.Beyond her own frontline role, Beth has been actively supporting the training of new generations of field epidemiologists across sectors – mentoring health officers from human, animal, and environmental health. Her leadership promotes the health of animals and wildlife, strengthens food safety, and advances healthier environments for all, reflecting her commitment to a truly One Health approach.
Her deep commitment to her province and country has now led Beth to a new horizon. She has been selected for the prestigious Homeward Bound Global Leadership Program for Women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine). The program unites women leaders from across the globe to develop leadership skills that combine scientific expertise with purpose-driven action for a sustainable future.“This opportunity has helped me grow not only as a leader but as a Pacific woman committed to resilience and sustainability,” Beth shares. “I want to bring back what I learn to strengthen health systems here at home and ensure the voices of women in frontline health are heard on the global stage.”Later this year in November, Beth will travel to Tanzania for the Global Leadership Summit, the final phase of the program. There, she will join women from all Homeward Bound cohorts in a powerful in-person experience focused on collective action for the planet.

The program is covered but the travel costs are self-funded, and Beth is reaching out to her wider community for support. Every contribution will help her cover costs and ensure that her voice and perspective – rooted in years of experience protecting lives in Papua New Guinea – can be shared globally.By supporting Beth, you are not only empowering her leadership journey but also strengthening the health security of entire communities. Your donation is an investment in a leader who works daily to protect lives and who is ready to bring her insights and courage to the world stage.

• Homeward Bound