Fiji Rising: Women Leading Sport with Heart and Culture.
From 10–12 June 2025, inspiring women in sport came together in Suva for the on-island Fiji edition of the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme 2025.
Delivered in partnership by Pasifika Sisters in Sport and Women in Sport Aotearoa, with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme was designed to strengthen the leadership capability of Pacific women across the sport sector.
This leadership development programme brought together women representing a wide range of sporting codes, roles, and communities each committed to strengthening the impact of sport in Fiji and across the wider Pacific. Over three days, participants engaged in immersive sessions designed to enhance leadership capability, cultural confidence, and regional connectivity.
Through a 3-day series of workshops, talanoa circles, and collaborative activities, the programme created space for critical conversations around leadership, identity, and inclusion rooted in Pacific values and cultural knowledge. Participants explored practical tools for system navigation, governance, strategic planning, and personal leadership growth.
This experience was guided by a passionate team of facilitators who brought deep knowledge, lived experience, and cultural understanding to the space. Including Pasifika Sisters in Sport Co-chairs Moana Leilua & Candice Mariner as well as Women in Sport Aotearoa, Programme Manager, Merran Brockie-David.
Key themes included:
Cultural Leadership – honouring traditional knowledge and local context in sport decision-making
Capacity Building – strengthening the ability of women to lead with confidence across all levels of sport
Collaboration & Connection – building a resilient network of Pacific women leaders committed to collective progress
“My leadership might look different as it comes in a wheelchair, but it stands tall especially for young girls...it’s about showing up!”
Special mention to our guest facilitators who delivered valuable leadership insights including:
Sainimili Saukuru, Kingdom Personal Coach
Lailanie Burnes, Fijian Drua & Super Rugby Commentator
Rachel Bennett, NZ High Commission Fiji
Melania Tora, Miss Hibiscus
Dale Sauqaqa, PWSLP Alumni 2023
Kalesi Nainoca, PWSLP Alumni 2023
Venina Rakautoga, PWSLP Alumni 2023
The Fiji edition builds on the wider vision of the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme to elevate the voice, visibility, and value of Pacific women in sport, and to support pathways that reflect their lived experiences and aspirations.
Pasifika Sisters in Sport and Women in Sport Aotearoa extend their sincere thanks to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their ongoing support of this important kaupapa. We also acknowledge the incredible energy, insight, and leadership of the thirteen Fijian women who made this programme so impactful.
What’s next?
Each participant will continue their journey through a tailored mentoring programme led by Pasifika Sisters in Sport Project Coordinator Kalesi Nainoca (PWSLP ALumni 2023) over the next 6-months designed to provide ongoing support, guidance, and connection.
This next phase pairs participants with experienced leaders across the Pacific and Aotearoa, offering a unique opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, grow their leadership practice, and stay connected to a wider network of women championing change in sport.
Watch our highlights video below to witness the powerful journey of connection, growth, and leadership in action.
