As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, the author reflects not only on the nation’s political journey but also on the often sidelined story of its women. While the country’s identity has been shaped by many hands, women—who have held families, communities, and institutions together—are frequently absent from official accounts. For the author, this milestone is as much about interrogating sovereignty as it is about recognising the lived realities and contributions of Papua New Guinean women.