Gender equality for women and girls in sport was among the topics discussed on day three of the International Working Group on Women and Sport World Conference in Auckland, New Zealand.

Gender equality was discussed by a panel featuring former New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith, vice-chairman of the British Olympic Association Annamarie Phelps, Muditambi Ravele and Payoshini Mitra.

Mitra said of the panel:

We had panellists from the United Kingdom, South Africa and India — that in itself says a lot.It was diverse and inclusive, and we were there as global leaders. It is important women of colour are acknowledged as leaders in this panel. We are very grateful to the women’s sport movement and those who came before us, but at the same time I am very conscious the movement has largely been white and not global. Today’s panel was a step away from that and I welcome that.

Reflecting on the Conference, which concludes tomorrow, as a whole Mitra added:

It is good to be in a feminist space. It’s good to meet everyone — all who are present here have done something beyond their own interest. These are people with a larger goal.

 As well as speeches and panels, visitors to the IWG World Conference have also been able to enjoy some fun activities

The afternoon saw groups explore topics including youth voice, motherhood, the big four World Cups of cricket, football, rugby union and rugby league and Safesport.

Elsewhere on day three of the Conference in Auckland, more than 115 participants took part in the inaugural First Nations/Indigenous workshop.

Representatives from the Mi’kmaq, Cree/Ojibway, Māori, Pacific Islands, Metis, Melanesia, Motu Koitabuan, Japanese, Guam, Laos, Innu Canadienne, North American Indigenous — Mohawk, Kadazan and Chinese indigenous groups participated.

It marked the first time in the event’s history that an indigenous-focused session for indigenous participants had been held.

Former Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees President Brian Lewis, who was on two panels that discussed Male Allies told insidethegames that the Conference was “excellent”.

It was a long distance to travel, but it was well worth the effort.

Said Lewis.

I had the opportunity to sit on two panels, and it has been a fantastic Conference, with an opportunity to discuss issues with some of the most powerful female leaders in sport.

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