The world’s largest gathering advancing gender equity and equality in sport, physical education, and physical activity, the 8th IWG Women and Sport Conference, kicked off in New Zealand today.
This record-breaking conference has been made accessible to participants in Fiji through a free interactive live-streamed conference hub at the VMAX cinema in Damodar City thanks to the Australian Government’s sport for development program, Team Up.
Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires John Williams joined Oceania National Olympic Committee President Dr. Robin Mitchell, and Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, Lorraine Mar, to officially open the Fiji Hub.
In welcoming the attendees, Mr. Williams highlighted the importance of ensuring that women and girls get the opportunity to participate and succeed in sports.
“Through, Team Up and Australia’s elite sports program, PacificAus Sports, we are providing platforms for women to grow and excel in sport. This conference will provide another important platform where Fijian voices in gender equality and sport can come together to share their experiences and inspire change,” he said.
The Fiji Hub is a great opportunity to engage, share experiences and learn from the various sessions being delivered during the three-day event.
In addition to the live-streamed sessions, the Fiji Hub includes in-person local facilitators to guide engagement and discussions, as well as complementary panel sessions, featuring leaders in sport and sport for development from across Fiji.
Through the planned engagements with individuals, organisations and regional stakeholders, the Hub intends to build a community of practice for local women and girls.
Speaking as a local panelist at today’s panel discussions session was National Rugby League In-Country Manager to Fiji, Ema Levaci.
“I’m delighted to have been invited to speak at today’s panel discussion and share some of my experiences as a women leader in sports administration in Fiji. Having this global IWG Women and Sport Conference live-streamed at a hub setting provides a platform where we can hear global perspectives, in addition to having the opportunity to share our individual experiences of sport, gender, and the fight for equality in sport. Events like this are critical to helping all of us, both men and women, to work together to be part of the change,” Ema highlighted.
Apart from Fiji, the Australian Government through Team Up is also facilitating virtual conference hubs in Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
