TEAM UP GENDER AND DISABILITY WORKSHOP FOSTERS INCLUSIVE SPORTS IN PNG

A successful three-day workshop on gender equality and disability inclusion was held at Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby from August 11th to 13th, 2025.

Hosted by Team Up with support from the Australian government, the event brought together representatives from various sports and disability inclusion programs across Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The workshop, facilitated by Team Up’s GEDSI and Safeguarding Advisor, Roshika Deo, aimed to strengthen capacity and promote safer, more inclusive sporting environments.

Key objectives included:

– Understanding how gender inequality and social norms affect sports.
– Identifying and addressing barriers, unconscious biases, and discriminatory practices.
– Developing inclusive strategies for diverse participants.
– Exploring climate action initiatives within a sports context.

A powerful session on gender-based violence, presented by Tommy Kaiyo from the Regina Sagu Foundation, sparked meaningful dialogue among attendees.

The workshop encouraged collaboration and the sharing of ideas, enhancing the impact of existing programs nationwide.

The initiative is part of Team Up’s broader commitment, supported by the Australian Government, to drive lasting change through sport across the Pacific.

The workshop’s ultimate goal is to create sporting environments where everyone can enjoy and benefit from the game.
Participating programs included:

– Inclusive GymBad
– NRL League Bilong Laip
– Hook-in For Health
– One Netball
– AFL Pilai lo Senis (with Tribal Foundation)
– Just Play Soccer
– Basketball For Good
– Kicks for Kokoda
– PNG Olympic Committee
– Inclusive Impact Rugby
– Play for Equity
– Special Olympics PNG
– PNG Assembly of Disability Persons