Every year, International Women’s Day invites us to reflect on the achievements, resilience, and inspiration of women in Papua New Guinea and around the world. In the tapestry of these stories, Mildred Nigi’s journey stands as an inspiration of hope and determination through all seasons both good and challenging. Her story is an example of how one must stand firm when faced with life’s unpredictable storms and emerge stronger.
Mildred’s heritage, shaped by mixed parentage from East Sepik, Central, and Milne Bay, brings together rich diverse cultures that enable her to stand tall as an example of a strong modern Papua New Guinean woman. Her diverse background and upbringing molded her into becoming the strong women she is today. Her life, much like a seafaring voyage, is marked by courage and perseverance. She has weathered tempests that threatened to overwhelm her, yet each challenge has added to her inner strength and wisdom. Mildred’s trust in God, her faith, and her ability to rise above adversity has helped her through difficult seasons in her life.
Mildred currently holds the position as the Security Coordinator at TotalEnergies EP PNG (TotalEnergies) and has been a valued member of the Security team since June 2022. For the past four years Mildred has provided much needed support to the Papua LNG Project in the Gulf Province, to teams both on site and at various locations. Her commitment and steadfast perseverance is evident in her work ethic, especially amongst her peers.
Her educational journey is defined by determination and a commitment to personal growth. She began her academic path at Evedahana Community School at 9 Mile in the National Capital District, laying the foundation for her future achievements. Her pursuit of excellence continued at Marianville High School, where she further developed her skills and aspirations, before advancing to Passam National High School, a testament to her dedication to learning.
Beyond secondary education, Mildred sought out specialized training by earning a Basic Police certification from Police Officer Cadet training at Bomana Police College. This accomplishment reflects her drive to serve her community and embrace new challenges. She complemented her law enforcement training with tertiary studies, receiving a Certificate in Accounting at the Institute of Business Studies in 2002.
Mildred’s diverse academic and professional certifications—spanning police training and accounting—highlight her versatility and unwavering commitment to self-improvement. These achievements are a source of pride, underscoring her resilience and readiness to make a meaningful impact in both her professional and personal life.
Mildred’s inspirations are rooted in the lessons of her grandparents, in the comforting words of Rhonda Bryne, and most deeply in the teachings of the Holy Bible. Her ambition is simple, yet powerful: to be a blessing to those around her.
Her favorite quote, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31), encapsulates the empathy and kindness that so many women share.
Although Mildred has had significant accomplishments in her academic and professional life, she stated that she has faced trials in life that have challenged her. She opened up, sharing a personal family tragedy that occurred a year ago.
In August 2025, Mildred’s blended family endured a heartbreaking tragedy. A motor vehicle accident took the lives of her eldest son and her brother, leaving her extremely devastated. Her husband sustained injuries that require ongoing hospitalization, and she expressed her sadness from the fact that after incident dynamics within her family changed. She lost a valued relationship with her daughter as communication ceased. She expressed not having open communication with her daughter is a burden she bears. She hopes one day in the near future that she is able to reconcile with her daughter. Her faith in God has been her strength she remains hopeful that the mother daughter relationship will be repaired.
Throughout Milred’s journey she has remained faithful to God, humble, focused and open minded. She remains certain that all challenges can have peaceful resolutions.
As most recognize and appreciate the strong women in their lives around International Women’s Day, be encouraged by Mildred’s remarkable story. TotalEnergies remains committed to supporting the success of their female staff in PNG. Mildred is an example of success through resilience, humility and perseverance. Her story is compelling in highlighting how one must remain firm when faced with life’s unpredictable storms and emerge stronger.