HONIARA (Solomon Islands) – The Solomon Islands Basketball Federation hosted a powerful Her World, Her Rules program, helping young women in the Pacific build confidence and create opportunity for the next generation of female athletes.
With over 100 participants ranging from 6-18 years of age, the program highlighted the enthusiasm and passion these young girls have for basketball.
Her World Her Rules (HWHR) is a cornerstone grassroots initiative of FIBA's global Women in Basketball Strategy with a core focus on dismantling barriers and fostering a welcoming and empowering environment for girls and women in basketball.
Solomon Islands Basketball Executive Officer Baptiste Kelesi expressed his admiration for the HWHR program in Honiara.
“These programs really help build that foundation in sports and promote gender equality, social inclusion, and build shared values,” he said. “Especially from that young age, having kids grow up and surround them with fun activities, and include something they can have a think about, is really something for Basketball.”
This program’s impact on Solomon Islands Basketball gives young female athletes the opportunity and encouragement to reach higher levels of the sport.
“They help nurture the talent, plant that seed, and eventually compete at the international level,” Kelesi said.
The HWHR program is about more than basketball. It is the stepping stone for young girls to start believing in themselves off the court too. Solomon Islands Women in Basketball Leadership Program Participant Sarah Gale recognised this in the young women at this event.
“What touches me most is seeing how these girls are beginning to value themselves beyond the game,” she said. “They’re learning that their voice matters, that they are capable, and that their worth isn’t limited to the court.”
This program teaches these important life values through the fun of basketball and being part of a team. These young women leave this event with more confidence in themselves and their capabilities.
“Watching them cheer for one another, laugh together, and celebrate small victories reminds me of the power of community and the importance of support,” Gale said.
Sometimes it takes only a word of encouragement or a high-five to help a girl believe in herself a little more
With Her World, Her Rules programs continuing throughout the Oceania region, young women in basketball can grow and improve, both on and off the court. Their potential isn’t limited to basketball, and with the support of this program, they will become more confident and empowered individuals.
This program has been supported by PacificAus Sports through FIBA’s Women in Basketball Strategic initiative.
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.