CANBERRA (Australia) – Arriving from six countries across the Oceania region, carrying stories of hope, basketball, and a shared passion to lead, 12 women continued their Women LEAD Basketball journey at an in-person workshop.
Supported by PacificAus Sports through FIBA’s Women in Basketball Strategic initiative, the 2025 edition of the Women LEAD Basketball program brought together emerging female leaders from across Oceania for three days of immersive workshops, mentorship, and cultural exchange.
This year’s cohort had already completed the online phase, but the in-person experience elevated the journey to a new level. From sessions on safeguarding and inclusion to project management, financial literacy, and career pathways, the program offered a holistic approach to leadership development tailored for women in basketball.
“It has broadened my knowledge in leadership,” said Mildred Izono of Vanuatu Basketball Federation. “It’s helped me look further, not just at what I already know, but at what more I can do. I’ve already started conversations with my federation to amend our constitution, so it better includes everyone.”
For Kathy Araea of Papua New Guinea, the experience was eye-opening, and inspiring.
“Being surrounded by strong women from across the Pacific made me feel seen and heard,” she said. “We’re not just learning, we’re building a movement.”
The workshop was packed with purpose, each day tipping off and ending with space to reflect individually, and as a group, reinforcing the sense of community. Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Project Management sessions gave participants practical tools, while basketball experiences at the NBL1 Finals and NBL Blitz provided participants with an opportunity to see the varying depths of basketball events.
“I met friends online, and now we’re here talking in person,” Mildred said. “Building friendships around Pacific culture, that’s what I love most.”
Mentorship was another cornerstone with guest speakers from sport, business, and politics offering insights and encouragement.
The Women LEAD Program isn’t just about leadership, it’s about legacy. Each participant is now tasked with delivering a basketball project in their home country to inspire, and empower the next generation of women, and girls through basketball.
Do whatever you have the passion to do, and do it your best,” Mildred advised young women. “If you do it with your heart, you’ll get the results - Mildred Izono
About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high-performance coaching in Australia and internationally. The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, with funding split evenly between women and men. PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’. The high-performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific.
For more information about PacificAus Sports and its initiatives, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook.