Applications are being sought from Cook Islands emerging female leaders in sport, physical activity, dance, and traditional physical activities to attend the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme in 2023, delivered in partnership with Pasifika SIS Sisters in Sport.

Female applicants residing in Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands, and Tonga have until tomorrow to register an application to attend a three-week mentorship and cultural exchange programme in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand from August 21 to September 8, 2023.

Women in Sport Aotearoa Ngā Wāhine Hākinakina o Aotearoa is excited to announce this pilot leadership programme which is based on the Global Sport Mentoring programme aimed at empowering emerging female leaders from four Pacific Island nations.

Pasifika 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.

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

“The Pacific Women in Sports Leadership pilot programme will undoubtedly provide a transformative experience for our emerging and aspiring women leaders from the Pacific,” said Mariner.

“This programme 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 programme 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.”

Participants should demonstrate a passion for girls and women, contributing to system change and positive outcomes, and have already worked or volunteered within this space for at least five years.

The application form can be accessed on https://form.jotform.com/231227161805853.