Finally, a seat at the table

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, American television commercials often featured women in supportive roles. They were usually seen using vacuum cleaners, washing machines, irons, and other appliances, dutifully serving their families freshly-cooked, piping hot meals. Conspicuously, though, they were always shown scurrying around in their aprons (albeit dressed well and fully coiffed). They were never shown actually sitting with their families. This was the figurative representation of women. Much was demanded of them, with few rights given. And very little acknowledgment and respect. 

In sport, all that has changed, though it took much effort and help to break the glass ceiling. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has fully evolved from prohibiting women from joining, to campaigning for their increased participation.

The Philippine Olympic Committee Women in Sports Commission (POC WiSC) is holding a Women in Sport International Summit Program called “A Seat at the Table: Building a culture of equal opportunity, inclusion, and giving back for women in sport in Southeast Asia” from March 29 to 30. This is a big step in recognizing the achievements and power that Filipinas have attained in international sport, and will forge a direction for growth in their sector in terms of participation and management.

“This is a significant step in acknowledging the hard work women in sport around the world – and in the Philippines in particular – have put in to gain acceptance and recognition as equals,” says POC deputy secretary-general Karen Tanchanco-Caballero. “We will also have two of the most influential women in sports in the world.”

Caballero is referring to the programs their keynote speakers, first of whom is Olympic bronze medalist Anita L. Defrantz. Defrantz was a member of the IOC Executive Board from 1992 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2017. She also served as IOC vice-president from 1997 to 2001, and returned to that position in 2017. Defrantz was also Chair of the Women and Sport Commission for two decades, then became honorary member from 2014 until now that it is the Women in Sport Commission. She has also vice-president of the World Rowing Federation (FISA) and director of the Women’s FIFA World Cup. Defrantz will discuss the leaps and bounds the IOC has taken to protect women’s rights in sports, and other adjunct programs.

Since its inception, the role of the WiSC has been to advise the IOC Session, the IOC Executive Board and the IOC president on developmental programs, and provide guidance on the implementation of the IOC women and sport policy, as well as create and promote equal opportunities for girls and women to participate in and benefit from sports and physical activity around the world. Among its advocacies are “increased participation of women athletes in the Olympic program and in leadership positions in the Olympic Movement, promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls in and through sport and greater access to sport for girls and women;” and “promotion of the use of sport as a tool for gender equality and empowerment and raising awareness of harassment and abuse in sport.”

Another of the WiSC’s responsibilities is “supporting the development of women’s skills in management and leadership within the Olympic Movement, including through training, seminars, workshops and mentoring” according to the IOC’s website.

The program’s second keynote speaker is Nicole Girard-Savoy, the IOC manager for Olympic Solidarity and Promotion of Olympic Values World Programme, which includes sports medicine, sport and environment, women and sport, sports for all, and other programs. 

Joining Caballero in speaking and presiding over sessions are IOC representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Cynthia Carrion-Norton, POC WiSC chair, and WiSC members such as Philippine Rugby Football Union secretary general Ada Milby, and Paralympics bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta. The group will also discuss initiatives for women in sport for Southeast Asia.

This milestone event will help unify and solidify support for women’s sport in the region, and bring us closer to the day when gender won’t even need to be a factor in any discussion.