NOC Chinese Taipei successfully hosts 2024 International Gender Equity and Sports Seminar
The 2024 International Gender Equity and Sports Seminar, themed Self-Empowerment: On the Way to Spark, successfully concluded on 4-5 October 2024, at the Caesar Metro Hotel in Taipei. Organized by the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC) and co-hosted by the Sports Administration of Ministry of Education, the seminar was supported by the CTOC’s Gender Equality Committee. The event welcomed 117 participants, including experts, scholars, and athletes, for two days of thought-provoking discussions on advancing gender equality in sports.
The opening ceremony featured key remarks from Ms. Yi-An Chen, Chairperson of the CTOC Gender Equity Committee; Mr. Lin Hong-Dow, President of the CTOC; and representatives from the Sports Administration of MOE, each emphasizing the importance of gender equity in shaping the future of sports.
In his address, Mr. Lin Hong-Dow underscored the significance of the seminar, which has served as a leading platform for promoting gender equity in sports since its inception in 2011. This year’s seminar focused on empowering women in the sports industry, offering participants the chance to engage in meaningful discussions and interactive sessions.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made significant strides in gender equality, most notably achieving gender parity at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In support of global efforts, the IOC has partnered with UN Women and launched initiatives like the Gender Equality Through Sport program, aimed at preventing gender-based violence and advancing gender equity. The IOC’s Women in Sport High-Performance Pathway (WISH) program has also played a pivotal role in empowering female coaches in elite sports.
The 2024 seminar aligned closely with these global milestones, bringing together a diverse range of speakers to discuss critical issues such as leadership, career development, personal branding, and the empowerment of women in sports. Keynote speakers included:
- Ms. Beng Choo Low, Secretary-General of the World Baseball Softball Confederation
- Ms. Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala, IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions 2023 Winner for Asia
- Ms. Elizabeth Pike, lead of the IOC’s WISH program
- Ms. Vickie Saunders, founder of The Brand Builders
In addition to expert insights, athletes such as Ms. Sherry Chen (canoeist), Ms. Kuo(softball player, softball coach Ms. Chen, and participants from the 2024 AIT Soccer Girl Project shared their personal experiences, igniting vibrant discussions on leadership, self-protection, and gender equality in the sports arena.
“The seminar has once again provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on gender equity,” said Ms. Yi-An Chen. “We hope the event inspires future generations to continue driving progress towards a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.”
As gender equality remains a key priority for the CTOC, this year’s seminar serves as a catalyst for ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between men and women in sports. The discussions, initiatives, and networking opportunities offered at the event will continue to guide efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable sports industry in the years to come.
