As Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Rodham Clinton travels to Papua New Guinea Wednesday, the Associated Press examines how she will continue to press for “‘women empowerment,’ a signature issue of her nearly one-year tenure as top U.S. diplomat.'”

“On numerous other overseas trips, Clinton has made a point of meeting with women who symbolize the promise of improving education, health and employment prospects for women,” the news service notes. Clinton has also used the trips to highlight U.S.-backed programs providing opportunities for women.

Expected to arrive in the capital city of Port Moresby on Thursday, Clinton is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Michael Somare and a group of female military officers and security officers (Burns, 1/13).