Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, April 14, 2025: Four opening ceremony speeches set the tone of unity and determination for the second OCA Gender Equity Seminar (GES) at the Empire Brunei on Monday morning.
OCA Executive Board member Mikako Kotani of Japan said the movement had received a big boost with the inaugural GES in Bahrain in 2022 and that this second edition would “drive meaningful action.”
“The Olympic Council of Asia is unwavering in its commitment to this cause and, through initiatives like this seminar, we strive to empower more women, cultivate strong allies and foster an environment where leadership, competition and participation reflect the diversity of our communities,” she said.
“I became the Chair of the OCA Athletes’ Committee and an Executive Board member in 1996. I was 29 years old and the only woman on the board at that time. Even at the General Assembly with over 40 National Olympic Committees there were only two women. Now we have seven board members.”
Mikako highlighted the “Watch Her Shine” theme of this second seminar. “We cannot do this alone. True progress requires the collaboration of all stakeholders—our National Olympic Committees, federations, coaches and male allies who champion the cause alongside us.
“Over the next two days, I encourage you to engage, challenge perspectives and share solutions. This seminar is not just a discussion—it is a call to action.”
His Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah, President of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council and OCA honorary Executive Board member, used the platform to announce the BDNOC first-ever Women in Sport Strategic Plan.
“This initiative reflects a significant step forward in our efforts to promote inclusivity and aligns with the goals we will explore over the next two days,” said HRH Prince Sufri.
“Over the next two days, let’s focus on actionable outcomes - building partnerships, developing initiatives and setting the stage for a future where gender equity is the norm.
“Let’s ensure that women athletes have the opportunity to shine on their terms and create pathways for leadership roles in sport beyond competition.”
HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, IOC Executive Board member and President, Jordan Olympic Committee, described the recent election of Kirsty Coventry as IOC President-elect as a “landmark moment” and said the movement must “remain resolute” as women continued to face barriers in their journey.
He added that Asia lagged behind other continents in gender equity and that challenges must not become excuses. “A huge amount of work lies ahead of us,” he said.
The final speaker was Valerie Tarazi, Chair of the OCA Gender Equity Committee and Paris 2024 Olympian representing Palestine in swimming.
“We gather here today united by a shared belief in the transformative power of sport. Sport is a universal language, one that transcends borders, cultures and generations,” she said.
“This seminar represents an important step forward in our collective journey. It is a moment for reflection, collaboration and action. Together, we will explore how to embed gender equity into the very fabric of the Olympic Council of Asia’s activities, policies and strategies.
“Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive future for sport in Asia and beyond. We will set the new standard for Asia.
The seminar was opened by OCA Director Wissam Trkmani, who sent the best wishes to all participants from the OCA President, Raja Randhir Singh, and OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam.
This second GES has attracted almost 100 participants from 43 NOCs and 19 speakers, panelists and moderators.
