11 Pacific Women Attended the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Programme in Melbourne during the Australian Open as an ongoing Tennis Australia-PacificAus Sports Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Program. This Australian Government initiative continues to empower women, foster leadership, and strengthen the future of tennis in the Pacific region.
Over the past three years, the Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Program has successfully graduated 29 women, equipping them with essential skills in leadership, coaching, and community engagement. The program’s 2024/2025 attendees were representatives from the following Pacific Nations (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and Nauru).
The Graduates were:
• Branicia Itsimaera – Nauru
• Cynthia Wickham – Solomon Islands
• Daisy Sipiti – Vanuatu
• Eglynda Bagadouwe – Nauru
• Fenuatapu Mesaako – Tuvalu
• Karen Fonua – Tonga
• Lorraine Kaiulo – Papua New Guinea
• Nadya Domasheva – Samoa
• Sarojini Lal – Fiji
• Suliana Mausia – Tonga
• Yvonne Carruthers – Samoa
The OTF President, Cyrille Mainguy, who attended the graduation ceremony, shared his pride and optimism for the future of tennis in the Pacific. In his remarks, he stated: “These women are not only leaders in their communities but also powerful ambassadors for tennis and the values it represents. Their achievements inspire us all to build a more inclusive and vibrant tennis community across Oceania.”
The Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis Program continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tennis in the region. By equipping women with leadership and coaching skills, the initiative ensures that tennis remains a dynamic and inclusive sport that positively impacts communities across the Pacific.
