His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), highlighted that the Women in Sport Strategic Plan is an “initiative that reflects a significant step forward in our efforts to promote inclusivity and aligns with the goals we will explore over the next two days”.
His Royal Highness made the remarks in a sabda during the unveiling of the first-ever Women in Sport Strategic Plan by BDNOC during the 2nd OCA Gender Equity Seminar hosted in the Sultanate at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom, The Empire Brunei yesterday.
His Royal Highness also expressed, “Let’s ensure that women athletes have the opportunity to shine on their terms and create pathways for leadership roles in sport beyond competition.”
His Royal Highness, who is also an Honorary Executive Board Member of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), further underscored, “Over the next two days, let’s focus on actionable outcomes – building partnerships, developing initiatives and setting the stage for a future where gender equity is the norm.”
Describing the transformative power of sport, His Royal Highness said it holds immense power – empowering individuals, fostering leadership and building communities.
Under the theme ‘Watch Her Shine’, His Royal Highness stressed, “‘Watch Her Shine’ is not just about celebrating women athletes, it’s a call to drive real change.
“We must ensure women have the support and opportunities to succeed in sport. National Olympic Committees (NOCs) can play a crucial role by utilising OCA/OS funds to promote female participation at all levels of sport.”
Copies of the Women in Sport Strategic Plan were distributed among participants of the seminar. Four focus areas were identified in the strategic plan: Leadership and Governance, Active Participation, Promotion and Advocacy, as well as Research and Development.
For Leadership and Governance, the objective is to promote leadership roles for women within sporting bodies and to foster mentorship programmes for aspiring female leaders.
Meanwhile, Active Participation aims to develop opportunities and structures that encourage sustained participation of girls and women in sports and reduce dropout rates among girls in physical activities.
In the area of Promotion and Advocacy, the goal is to raise awareness about the importance of women and girls at all levels and to promote gender equality in sports through educational campaigns and advocacy efforts.
Research and Development focuses on developing action-based research to identify and reduce barriers and gaps, and to help lower dropout rates among girls involved in physical activity and sports. – James Kon
