QUEENSLAND (Australia) - Basketball is more than just a game - it is a tool for empowerment, education, and change. Through the Hoops for Equality initiative, launched under the FIBA Foundation's Basketball For Good programs, FIBA is using the power of sport to challenge gender norms, promote inclusion, and provide new opportunities for women and girls in the region.
With a successful pilot in the Solomon Islands, the program is now reaching more communities, including Fiji, where young athletes and coaches are experiencing firsthand how basketball can be a platform for equality.
Empowering young athletes through play
For many participants, Hoops for Equality is more than just learning how to dribble or shoot - it's about building confidence and changing perspectives.
Astha Lata Deo, a young participant in Basketball Fiji's Hoops for Equality program, had never played basketball before this year but has already embraced it as one of her favorite sports.
"It's actually quite good. There's a diverse group of people from different religions, backgrounds, and different ages," she said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the program.
Beyond basketball skills, the initiative incorporates life lessons on gender equality, with coaches designing drills that promote discussion around fairness and inclusion.
"The coach had drills where we were doing activities about rights - bouncing and dribbling to our answers. There were actually some really good questions, like 'Should girls be given the opportunity to play basketball or sports in general?' and other equality-related topics," Astha explained.
For girls like Astha, sports programs like Hoops for Equality play a crucial role in breaking down cultural barriers that often limit female participation in sports.
"In a lot of Pacific countries, girls are behind in sports because of traditions, customs, and sometimes because parents are not educated about it or they can't afford it. But encouraging girls is a nice thing - it improves their self-esteem, builds their social skills, and enhances communication," she said.
Developing Coaches as Leaders
Beyond the players, Hoops for Equality is also developing the next generation of basketball coaches, equipping them with the tools to inspire and support their communities.
One of the coaches, Abigail Tavuyara began playing in high school, stepped into coaching through encouragement from a mentor.
"Because of my interest in basketball, my coach said, 'If you want to develop more into coaching, why don't you come here?' So I was like, 'Okay, sure!'" she shared.
More than just teaching skills, coaching within Hoops for Equality is about creating an environment where girls feel empowered to participate.
"It's important because it encourages girls to know they're not limited. When I first started, there weren't many female basketball players or teams. But through basketball, I was able to realize that men are not the only ones who can specialize in it - women can too," she said.
"It's important because it shows girls that they actually can step up. That they actually have the strength and they have the knowledge, they have the skill, and if they have the passion, they can go ahead and do it. Through basketball, I was able to discover that it’s not limited to only men. Like men are not the only ones that can specialize in this, but women too."
Commitment to Empowering National Federations
FIBA Regional Office - Oceania has long been committed to supporting National Federations (NFs) in growing the game and making basketball more accessible. Through Hoops for Equality, FIBA is strengthening grassroots initiatives while reinforcing its commitment to inclusion.
Amanda Jenkins, Executive Director of Regional Office, emphasized the importance of empowering National Federations to create long-lasting change.
"Hoops for Equality is more than just a basketball program - it’s a catalyst for change. By equipping our National Federations with the tools, training, and resources they need, we are ensuring that gender inclusion and empowerment become part of the sporting culture in Oceania. This program is about creating pathways for everyone, including women and girls, to thrive in basketball - both on and off the court."
A Lasting Impact in Oceania
The success of Hoops for Equality is a testament to FIBA's commitment to empowering National Federations (NFs) across Oceania. By integrating basketball with social education, the program provides young girls and aspiring female coaches with a platform to learn, grow, and lead.
Through its expansion into Fiji, Solomon Islands, and beyond, Hoops for Equality is setting a new standard for inclusive sports programs in the Pacific - where basketball isn’t just a game, but a movement for change.
FIBA in Oceania is proudly supported by the Australian Government through, PacificAus Sports, and Team Up. Their support is vital in fostering the growth of basketball in the region and empowering grassroots, and women in basketball initiatives.
FIBA