In the heart of the Pacific, on the small island nation of Nauru, Dr Debao is redefining what it means to be a modern healthcare professional. As the second of only 3 female Nauruan doctors in the nation’s history, following in the footsteps of the pioneering Dr Angelique, Dr Debao represents a new generation of women breaking barriers in medicine.
While attending an Integrating Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into Healthcare training in February 2025, Dr Debao shared her remarkable journey. As the first doctor in her family, she has carved a path that future generations can follow. For over 5 years, she has served her community as a dedicated general practitioner, bringing compassionate care to Nauru’s residents.
“As a woman, I don’t feel there is a limitation,” Dr Debao declared.
Her journey proves this philosophy – she pursued her postgraduate studies while working and raising her children, demonstrating that with determination, multiple aspirations can be achieved simultaneously. This remarkable feat of balancing advanced medical studies with motherhood and professional responsibilities showcases her extraordinary commitment to both her family and career.
With 3 children aged between 7 months old and 14 years, Dr Debao embodies the strength and resilience of working mothers everywhere.
Her journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. With only 3 female Nauruans going on to become doctors, Dr Debao carries the responsibility of being a role model for young girls who might dream of following in her footsteps. Her message to aspiring doctors resonates with wisdom gained from experience.
“Be kind to your future self, work hard, go the extra mile now so you will reap the benefits in the end,” she shared.
Dr Debao’s presence in Nauru’s healthcare system represents more than just medical expertise – it symbolises hope and possibility for women across the Pacific. Her participation in the recent healthcare training demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning and improving healthcare delivery for her community. Her story and representation are particularly poignant in a region where female representation in specialised professions has historically been limited. As we reflect on the progress made in gender equality, Dr Debao stands as a testament to what’s possible when women are given opportunities to pursue their dreams. Her journey from being the first in her family to enter medicine to becoming one of Nauru’s pioneering female doctors inspires us all to dream bigger and work harder for what we believe in.
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The Integrating Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into Healthcare training was organised by the Nauru Ministry of Health and supported by the Australia-Pacific Partnerships Platform. The purpose of the training was designed to assist ministry staff to understand how personal and systemic biases shape healthcare interactions, while exploring:
- How societal expectations, stereotypes, and gender norms influence healthcare delivery and access.
- Ways to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all individuals.
- Understanding how diverse identities and experiences impact healthcare outcomes.
- Identifying and removing barriers that prevent community members from accessing quality health care.
- Nauru’s commitments towards gender, disability and social inclusion.
