In the heart of Lae, under the bright morning sun, a story of resilience and triumph unfolded at the University of Technology. It was a day like no other—a day that would mark the beginning of change for many young women in Papua New Guinea. Among the graduates stood Samania Ned, a woman whose name would soon be etched in the hearts of those who dared to dream. Last Friday, she became one of only three students to receive her Master of Philosophy in Computer Science during the university’s 57th graduation ceremony.
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| Inspiring a Generation: Samania Ned’s Call for Women in Technology |
Samania’s journey was not an easy one, but it was a journey fueled by purpose. For three years, she poured her heart into researching blockchain-based self-sovereign digital identity systems for patient registries in PNG. Her focus? To address the persistent challenges facing the country’s healthcare system—issues like health supply shortages and inefficient patient record-keeping. With every late-night study session and every line of code she wrote, Samania envisioned a future where technology could bridge gaps and save lives.
Her groundbreaking research has captured the attention of organizations like the eNovaX Team, who proudly celebrate her achievement. As a Master’s graduate from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), Samania’s work focuses on using blockchain-based self-sovereign digital identification for patient registry systems. This innovation comes at a crucial time, as PNG’s health system continues to grapple with fragmented records and limited access to patient data. By introducing a secure, patient-owned digital identity system, her research offers a smart and much-needed solution to improve how health information is managed and shared across the nation.
But behind her academic success lay a life filled with challenges that tested her strength. As the operations manager of the Digital Identification Bureau, Samania balanced her demanding career with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. Raising two young children while pursuing a master’s degree required sacrifices most could not imagine. Yet, through it all, she remained steadfast, driven by the belief that her work could make a difference—for her family, her community, and her nation.
Her daughters, though young, were her greatest cheerleaders. They reminded her daily why she embarked on this journey in the first place. Their laughter and curiosity inspired her to keep pushing forward, even when the weight of her responsibilities felt overwhelming. “They are my light,” Samania often said, her voice filled with gratitude. Her family’s unwavering support gave her the courage to navigate the delicate balance between her roles as a mother, a professional, and a student.
Beyond her academic achievements, Samania’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the university. In Port Moresby, she spent her weekends volunteering at the Pomis Coding Club, teaching coding to children aged 12 and 13. Her passion for nurturing young minds was evident in every lesson she taught. She believed that technology was not just for the privileged few—it was a tool that could empower anyone willing to learn. And so, she dedicated herself to planting seeds of possibility in the hearts of the next generation.
As a trailblazer in the ICT industry, Samania knew the importance of representation. She understood the power of seeing someone who looked like you achieving greatness in fields once thought inaccessible. That’s why she became a vocal advocate for women in technology. “Our country needs more Information Technologists,” she declared, her words echoing in the minds of young women everywhere. “Girls can do more than they think they can.” Her message was clear: the future of Papua New Guinea depends on diversity, innovation, and inclusion.
The eNovaX Team echoed these sentiments, celebrating Samania’s bold step toward building a more connected, reliable, and inclusive health system. Her work is not only innovative—it’s empowering and forward-looking. By addressing critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, Samania’s research paves the way for transformative change in how patient data is managed. The team expressed their pride in her milestone, recognizing her as a pioneer whose contributions will leave a lasting impact on the nation’s health system.
Despite the challenges women face in entering the ICT field, Samania refused to let doubt overshadow hope. She envisioned a future where Papua New Guinea would embrace technology as a cornerstone of its development over the next five years. But for that vision to become reality, she urged young women to step up and take their place in shaping it. Whether pursuing ICT alone or combining it with other disciplines, she encouraged them to trust in their potential and break free from societal limitations.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Samania’s journey reminds us that success is not measured by how smoothly the path is but by how determined we are to walk it. Every obstacle she faced only strengthened her resolve, every sacrifice brought her closer to her dreams. She proved that with hard work, support, and an unshakable belief in oneself, anything is possible.
Today, Samania Ned stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring technologists across Papua New Guinea. Her achievements remind us that true progress begins when we dare to challenge the status quo. Through her actions, she has shown that education and technology are not just tools for personal advancement—they are vehicles for societal transformation. As the sun set on that unforgettable day in Lae, Samania walked away from the stage with more than just a degree. She carried with her the hopes and dreams of countless young women who now see themselves in her story. Her legacy will live on in the classrooms she teaches, the lives she touches, and the barriers she breaks. And as she looks toward the future, one thing is certain: Samania Ned is not just a graduate—she is a pioneer, lighting the way for generations to come.
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