SUBANG JAYA, Nov 16 — A total of 80 resolutions were achieved at the Asean Women in Sports Conference 2023 to empower and enhance the role of women in sports, both domestically and across the Southeast Asian region.
Prof Datuk S. Shamala, the conference’ chief moderator, said among the key resolutions was a proposal to establish a 30 per cent quota for women in top leadership positions in sports associations, extending beyond mere committee memberships.
“These positions should not be limited to committee memberships only, but roles that have decision-making authority because, sometimes, as a committee member, the voice may not be as influential,” she told the press after the closing of the conference by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim today.
The three-day conference, which began on Tuesday (November 14), was attended by seven representatives from Asean countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore, along with over 100 female participants, including athletes, former athletes, media practitioners, lecturers, and sports experts.
Shamala said other resolutions included proposals for exchange programmes between local and Asean region coaches, as well as encouraging the media to raise awareness to ensure that women receive attention in sports.
All the resolutions focused on four thrusts: Leadership, Coaching, Active Lifestyle, Voice, and Visibility, all of which will be submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to be presented at the Asean Sports Ministers Meeting next year.
Meanwhile, Adam said these resolutions would serve as a platform to provide exposure and awareness of the challenges faced by women in sports, both nationally and regionally.
“I believe good cooperation between Asean countries can reach a consensus on how women can be empowered in sports. We hope this conference was a good platform to brainstorm and contribute ideas.
“In Malaysia, the achievements of female athletes in sports are seen as very positive; however, leadership and management roles require attention, and the involvement of women is necessary,” he said after the closing ceremony.
— Bernama
