Samoa with other Pacific nations have been chosen for the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Program pilot project for Women by the Women in Sport Aotearoa in partnership with Pasifika Sisters in Sport.

Emerging female leaders from Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Tonga engaged in sport, physical activity, dance, and traditional physical activities through mentorship and cultural exchange have been urged to apply to the project. The program includes a week with WISPA and Pasifika SIS focusing on leadership development, followed by two weeks of mentorship with host organisations.

Candice Apelu-Mariner, Pasifika SIS Co-Chair said they are delighted to bring this pilot program as a special opportunity for women and the development of women in sports.

“The Pacific Women in Sports Leadership pilot program will undoubtedly provide a transformative experience for our emerging and aspiring women leaders from the Pacific,” said Mrs. Mariner. “This program marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards personal growth and development and sets the stage for participants to expand their knowledge, skill and network to refine their vision for the future.

"The pilot program seeks to drive positive change, promote gender equality, and inspire a new generation of Pacific women to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and become catalysts for progress in both the sports arena and society at large.”

Applications for the program are open until 4 June 2023. It is open to all female leaders residing in Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, and Tonga.

With support from the U.S. State Department and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the program will provide 10 women with the opportunity to travel to Aotearoa for mentorship and cultural knowledge exchange within the NZ sports sector. 

The Pacific Women’s Leadership Program is based on the Global Sports Mentoring Program using the best practices and resources to empower emerging female leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, and Tonga.

This is run by the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy Division. This flagship initiative uses sports as a vehicle to empower women and girls around the world by pairing emerging leaders with female executives from leading organizations in the sports sector.

The goal is to provide mentorship and networking opportunities, which can lead to increased opportunities for women and girls in sports. 

WISPA is a charity that exists to transform society through leadership, advocacy and research, ensuring that all women and girls gain equity of opportunity to participate, compete and build careers in play, active recreation and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.

SIS is a newly established and culturally driven collective. The organisational vision is to establish a leadership network of Pacific women and girls in sports to elevate, inspire, advocate and create equal opportunities at all levels and holistic development outcomes in Aotearoa and Oceania.