The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum which kicked off in Victoria Falls this morning.
It is an event that has brought together representatives from all 10 National Olympic Committees in the region to advance gender equality and diversity across sport in Southern Africa.
Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all represented at the forum which concludes this weekend.
The event serves as a platform for collaboration, learning and action on some of the most pressing issues facing women in sport across the region.
The forum's agenda is wide-ranging and tackles critical areas including Olympic Solidarity as a tool for achieving ANOCA Zone VI objectives, progress on the Johannesburg Declaration and AUSC Region 5 Action Plan, women in leadership, governance, coaching and technical roles.
Also key is safe sport systems and safeguarding mechanisms, financing women's sport and creating sustainable pathways, athlete welfare including maternity rights and health policies, digital safety and tackling online abuse, and the development of National Olympic Committee Gender Equality Action Plans.
Day one of the forum features a strong lineup of regional speakers addressing some of the most pertinent topics on the agenda. Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Gender Equity and Diversity Commission Chairperson Charmaine Chamboko opens proceedings with a presentation on women in decision-making, covering boards, commissions, coaching and technical roles.
ZOC Board Member Tawanda Sithole follows with a session on safe and inclusive access, covering facilities, equipment, scheduling and transport.
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Zambia's National Olympic Committee Board Member Susanna Daki addresses the forum on the portrayal of women in sport, presenting practical strategies for fair, respectful and empowering representation.
Botswana sports administrator, gender advocate and development practitioner Keenese Katisenge-Tizhani closes the day's sessions with a presentation on progress made on the Johannesburg Declaration and the AUSC Region 5 Action Plan.
The forum is expected to conclude with firm commitments from all participating National Olympic Committees aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and accelerating progress towards a more inclusive sporting landscape across Zone VI.
