Three emerging leaders from Oceania have returned from the 2026 International Working Group (IWG) Global Summit on Gender Equality in Sport with renewed purpose after participating in the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship Scholarship Programme.
Representing the National Olympic Committees of New Zealand, Samoa and Papua New Guinea, the three scholarship recipients joined 40 delegates from across the world in a six-month programme designed to strengthen leadership, knowledge exchange and practical action on gender equality in sport.
Supported through Olympic Solidarity's Olympic Values Programme, the scholarship extends well beyond attendance at the Summit. Participants undertake three months of mentoring before and after the event, engage in peer-to-peer learning, and develop National Gender Equality Action Plans that will be implemented within their respective countries. The programme focuses on five priority areas: participation, leadership, safe sport, portrayal and resource allocation.
The Oceania scholarship recipients were:
1. Cathleen Bias – New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), evaluating the long-term impact of the Wahine Toa leadership programme.
2. Olivia Hogarth – Samoa Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), strengthening participation and leadership pathways for women and girls through netball.
3. Amity Alacros – Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), increasing participation in squash while encouraging more women and girls to remain engaged in sport.
Oceania Impact Network Coordinator Ala-Cassandra Singh said the scholarship programme demonstrates the IOC's commitment to creating sustainable change rather than one-off learning opportunities.
"The IOC Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship Scholarship Programme is designed to ensure attendance at the IWG Global Summit results in lasting impact. By combining mentoring, international knowledge exchange and nationally led action plans, the programme supports National Olympic Committees to strengthen gender equality initiatives and deliver sustainable change within their sporting systems."
For Cathleen Bias, Legacy Manager and Wahine Toa Programme Manager with the New Zealand Olympic Committee, the Summit reinforced the value of collaboration and learning across regions.
"The IWG Summit informed us of the latest global research on women and sport, while also creating opportunities to connect with continental colleagues and align on initiatives that will deliver meaningful impact across our region."
"I particularly valued the chance to gain fresh perspectives, learn from global leaders and build connections with others who are equally passionate about advancing gender equality in sport."
Representing Samoa, Olivia Hogarth reflected on the importance of visibility and collective action.
"The IOC Scholarship reminded me that lasting change isn't created by one person or one organisation. It comes through collaboration, and visibility is a powerful catalyst for that. The more we celebrate women in sport and share their stories, the more opportunities we create for others to follow."
For Papua New Guinea's Amity Alacros, the experience strengthened both her confidence and her commitment to future generations.
"Receiving the IOC Scholarship and attending the IWG Summit was an eye-opening experience that strengthened my belief not only in what I can accomplish, but in who I am as an individual."
"Listening to inspiring stories from world leaders in sport reminded me to think beyond immediate results and focus on the bigger picture—creating long-term change, breaking barriers and empowering women and girls step by step."
"I learned the importance of partnerships over sponsorships, as well as collaboration and sharing resources, especially within our Moana Pasifika. Our ocean connects us, and our cultures strengthen our relationships and shared understanding of how we can create safer, more inclusive and growing sporting environments."
"This experience encouraged me to move forward with not only my present and future in mind, but also those who will come after me."
The three Oceania scholars were among a broader Oceania delegation that contributed to the IWG Global Summit through the Oceania Impact Network, showcasing Pacific-led approaches to gender equality, safe sport and collaborative leadership.
Their participation reflects the growing investment by the Olympic Movement in developing regional leaders who can translate global knowledge into practical action within their own communities.
As the scholarship programme continues over the coming months, each participant will implement their National Gender Equality Action Plan, ensuring the conversations started in Birmingham result in tangible outcomes for women and girls across Oceania.
About the IOC Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship Scholarship Programme
The IOC Knowledge Exchange and Mentorship Scholarship Programme is delivered through Olympic Solidarity's Olympic Values Programme and was established to ensure participation at the International Working Group (IWG) Global Summit on Gender Equality in Sport leads to lasting impact beyond the event itself.
The six-month programme combines international knowledge exchange, structured mentoring and peer learning to support National Olympic Committees in developing and implementing practical Gender Equality Action Plans tailored to their national contexts.
Scholarship recipients participate in three months of mentoring before the Summit, attend the global gathering of leaders in gender equality and sport, and continue with a further three months of mentoring and implementation support following the event. The programme is centred on five IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion priorities: participation, leadership, safe sport, portrayal and resource allocation.
By investing in emerging leaders and strengthening collaboration between National Olympic Committees, the programme aims to accelerate sustainable, locally led change and advance gender equality across the Olympic Movement.
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