The 3rd Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis (PWLiT) Program started this week at the Crowne Plaza in Nadi, Fiji. This initiative, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and PacificAusSports, in partnership with Tennis Australia, is empowering a new generation of female leaders in tennis across the Pacific Region.
This year’s program brings together 11 inspiring participants from 8 Pacific Nations:
- Fiji – Saroj Lal
- Nauru – Eglynda Bagadouwe, Branicia Kaylin Itsimaera
- Papua New Guinea – Lorraine Kaiulo
- Samoa – Nadya Domasheva, Yvonne Carruthers
- Solomon Islands – Cynthia Wickham
- Tonga – Karen Fonua, Suiana Mausia
- Tuvalu – Mesaako Fenuatapu
- Vanuatu – Daisy Sipiti
Empowering Women for Leadership
Since its launch in August 2022, the PWLiT Program has been making significant strides in advancing women’s leadership in tennis. The program aims to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take on leadership roles in their home countries and on the international stage.
The 2024/25 PWLiT program features a two-day in-person workshop followed by three months of online courses. This structure provides participants with comprehensive training in leadership, management, and the development of tennis as a sport within their communities.
Success Stories and Impact
Since its inception, the PWLiT Program has produced a growing number of success stories, with participants returning to their countries to lead tennis development programs, mentor the next generation of players, and represent their Nations on international platforms. These women are playing an integral role in advancing tennis in the Pacific while shaping the sport’s future.
Facilitators of the 2024/25 PWLiT Program
This year’s program is facilitated by a team of experienced leaders from Tennis Australia and the Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF). The facilitators include:
- Andrea Buckeridge – Tennis Australia
- Vicki Reid – Tennis Australia
- Isabelle Gemmel – Tennis Australia
- Barbara Stubbings – Oceania Tennis Federation
- Lucy Vakere – Oceania Tennis Federation
These facilitators bring a wealth of experience in tennis leadership and development, ensuring that the participants receive the highest level of guidance and support as they embark on their leadership journey.
A Growing Legacy of Women in Tennis
The PWLiT program continues to shine as a beacon of empowerment for women in the Pacific. As this third cohort of women leaders participates in the 2024/25 program, the initiative is expected to foster even more impactful contributions to the growth and development of tennis in the Pacific region.
With a solid foundation of support from DFAT, PacificAusSports, Tennis Australia, and the Oceania Tennis Federation, this program will continue to cultivate strong women leaders who will inspire future generations of tennis players and administrators across the Pacific.