For experienced midwife and maternal health advocator, Australia Awards’ Women and Leading alumna, Maryanne Maga, midwifery is more than a job, it’s her life’s calling.
Maryanne, who holds a Master of Midwifery from The University of Newcastle and is passionate about the application of evidence-based midwifery practice, has been supporting birthing mothers and babies in the southern region of Papua New Guinea for over 12 years.
Leaving lasting footprints
With support from WLI, Maryanne attended the Australian College of Midwives Conference in Darwin, Australia. Centred on the theme “Midwifery Footprints,” the three-day event brought together midwives and students from across Australia and across the Pacific to share research, participate in shared learning, and foster connection.
Maryanne says attending the conference was a pivotal moment in her professional development, as well as an opportunity to step back from the demands of her day-to-day work, reflect on her leadership aspirations, and strengthen her commitment to improving maternal health systems in PNG.
“I went to explore how Australian midwifery models of care are sustained, particularly in rural and remote contexts, and to understand the structures that support their continuity and impact,” explains Maryanne. “In my work, I see maternal services remain under-prioritised. This reflects leadership focus and funding gaps. The conference showed me models of care that prioritise safety, continuity, and community engagement approaches that could transform outcomes in rural PNG, especially in Gulf Province where geography limits access and maternal mortality remain high.”
“The conference reminded me of the power of collective learning and the importance of leaving lasting footprints in the lives of women and communities we serve.”
For Maryanne, being at the conference helped clarified her purpose “to shape policy, mentor others, and advocate for maternal health equity.” She found the experience deeply inspiring because it refocused her perspective as a midwife and reignited her commitment to finding practical solutions for improving maternal health in PNG.
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The conference’s theme also resonated with Maryanne as it highlights “the enduring impact midwives leave on individuals, communities, and health systems”, and invited her to reflect on the footprints she leaves in people’s lives in her role as a midwife.
“I asked myself: are my footprints culturally safe, sustainable, and equitable? The concept of ‘midwifery footprints’ celebrates both the physical presence and deeper influence of midwifery, urging us to be intentional in the paths we tread, the systems we shape, and the stories we leave behind. It speaks to the legacy of care, leadership, and innovation, especially in rural and remote settings where midwives walk alongside women through life’s most vulnerable moments,” says Maryanne.
“When midwives are supported to work fully, think systemically, and speak boldly, the footprints we leave become pathways for others to follow.”
The conference also encouraged Maryanne to consider not just what she’s permitted to do as a midwife, but what she’s capable of when systems support midwives to work to their full potential.
“From clinical care to education, leadership, advocacy, and system design, I saw examples of woman-centred, culturally safe, and resilient care. I was especially drawn to discussions on structural enablers such as funding, workforce planning, community partnerships, and culturally embedded practices, which helped me envision reforms that could empower maternal health service providers in PNG’s Gulf Province,” says Maryanne.
A lasting legacy
As a midwife, Maryanne not only strives to provide exceptional clinical care, but she also wants to leave a legacy “through strengthened systems, empowered voices, and lives saved.”
“These ‘footprints’ are quiet yet powerful markers of progress, etched into the pathways of women’s health and community wellbeing. In our fight to reduce maternal mortality, I am called to embrace innovation, challenge entrenched norms, and turn evidence into action. This journey demands more than technical skill, it also requires vision, courage, and a deep commitment to stewardship. Each footprint I leave reflects purpose: building resilient, patient-centred health systems that serve generations to come,” says Maryanne.
Speaking about the WLI program, Maryanne highlighted the importance of WLI’s ongoing investment in women’s leadership and wellbeing.
“Back home, the work is relentless. Burnout, brick walls, and the weight of leading a clinical team can dim even the brightest spirits. But after the conference, I felt restored as if returning from a soul-deep vacation. WLI sees beyond titles. They invest in your leadership, nurture your mental wellbeing, and stand beside you when the path feels uncertain. I feel seen, supported, and deeply valued.”
A reflection on leadership
For Maryanne attending the conference was more than a professional milestone, it was also a turning point in her personal development, especially regarding self-awareness.
“I realised that the biggest barriers aren’t always external; they’re often embedded in my routines, habits, and silence. My workload has consistently overshadowed the plans I truly care about, but the conference reminded me that these limits aren’t fixed. Resilience means reassessing and choosing a new direction when the current one no longer serves me,” shares Maryanne.
“This experience deepened my understanding of what effective leadership truly looks like.”
“I also recognised the importance of autonomy. For too long, I’ve tried to fit into plans designed by others where timelines and expectations didn’t reflect my own rhythm. I now realise I have permission to diverge, to create my own blueprint, and to define success on my terms.”
“Most importantly, I saw that opportunity is everywhere, but I haven’t been reaching out. Whether it’s connecting with mentors or launching personal projects, I’ve held back. The conference was filled with people who dared to act. I’m not short on opportunity, I’m short on action. And that’s something I’m ready to change.”
Sharing how she intends to apply her learnings in rural PNG, Maryanne says she plans to place greater emphasis on tailoring continuity of care to her local context, ensuring that the strategies she implements are both culturally relevant and community driven. She also wants to integrate learnings from the conference with the leadership principles championed by WLI, which Maryanne says have consistently guided her professional journey.
“I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every step I take contributes to a legacy of care, accountability, and transformation; a collective journey toward a safer, more dignified future for mothers and newborns in PNG.”
“Rather than adopting new ideas, I will critically assess how they align with WLI’s purpose and my own leadership philosophy. This approach will allow me to remain authentic while evolving as a leader. I’m committed to nurturing sustainable change by staying true to the values that have shaped my path, while remaining open to innovation that enhances care delivery and team empowerment. Deep reflection has shown me that growth lies in thoughtful adaptation, not complete reinvention,” says Maryanne.
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Through the WLI Leaders Hub, alumni of the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program like Maryanne apply for and access workplace internships and professional development opportunities, including supported participation in international programs.