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A major shift is going on in Fiji as extra girls are making outstanding strides within the historically male-dominated subject of sports activities commentary.
Key factors:
Extra girls have gotten sports activities commentators in FijiAdi Lewanavanua and Eleina McDonald have been mentored as a part of ABC Worldwide Growth’s Girls in Information and Sport initiativeThey hope to encourage others to comply with of their footsteps
Adi Lewanavanua is a notable determine on this wave of change. She is a former nationwide consultant in soccer as a participant and coach, with a wealthy historical past in sports activities administration over the previous 20 years.
Lewanavanua has all the time aspired to be “completely different”, and after a sport of soccer, she would playfully commentate, cracking a joke, however she by no means thought of commentary as a profession path.
She has taken her alternatives and, as a part of ABC Worldwide Growth’s Girls in Information and Sport Initiative, has offered coaching and mentoring for feminine commentators within the Asia-Pacific area.
Lewanavanua says it is necessary for gamers to be given pathways into areas like commentating as soon as they retire.
“Stepping into the commentary like [other commentators] Asinate Wainiqolo and Eleina McDonald was by way of sports activities journalism,” Lewanavanua stated.
“However for the remainder of us having no different background other than sports activities was inconceivable.”
Lewanavanua commentated on the 2023 FIFA Girls’s World Cup, and her versatility and dedication to selling gender equality in sports activities commentary have earned her widespread respect within the business.
And she or he needs to see others comply with her path.
“Sports activities commentary comes with ardour. While you select this subject, you examine, eat and sleep the sports activities you look into,” she stated.
“You’re the voice behind the product. Do not simply speak, promote the product.
“Your illustration depicts the image of each girl who will take that seat tomorrow.
“Gender equality is promoted by way of girls’s teams and campaigns, but when mainstream media don’t give it the house to develop, we are going to by no means develop.”
Hear Us Roar is a not too long ago launched anthology of rising girls soccer writers, that includes 17 contributors from 11 international locations.
The ultimate submissions have been chosen following a worldwide contest, and Lewanavanua’s article, Coconut Soccer: A Bittersweet Relationship, was included within the publication, the place she writes about her journey in soccer.
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McDonald makes her mark
Eleina McDonald is one other pioneering determine in Fijian sport.
She is a revered sportswoman in her personal proper having represented Fiji in rugby union, basketball and hockey, and with a profound ardour for all issues sport.
She additionally has in depth expertise in sports activities administration and media, which allowed her to simply transition to the commentary field.
McDonald has labored throughout many sports activities together with rugby, soccer and athletics, and is happy to see new expertise break by way of.
“I am completely buzzed to be on this house,” McDonald stated, noting commentary wasn’t one thing she aspired to do, nonetheless being a “chatterbox” made it simpler.
“It is nice to see extra girls who’ve been technical officers or former gamers on this house, but in addition these in sports activities journalism, gross sales and advertising,” McDonald stated.
And she or he has some recommendation for others trying to make the transfer.
“By no means presume to know all the pieces or converse on behalf of others, do your analysis and know the right way to wing it and be adaptable,” she stated.
“Commentary is an artwork, having to suppose in your toes, and you’ll solely get it with expertise.
“Contemporary voices, particularly feminine voices, present a breath of recent air and girls commentators have develop into extra technical and extra educated.”
As McDonald and Lewanavanua proceed to make their mark in sports activities commentary, their journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring feminine commentators throughout Fiji.
Their success highlights the significance of mentoring, coaching, and collaboration in fostering a extra inclusive and numerous sports activities media panorama.
In a rustic the place sports activities maintain immense cultural significance, the emergence of ladies in sports activities commentary marks a transformative second.
It indicators a departure from conventional norms and heralds a brand new period the place girls are recognised and celebrated for his or her experience and keenness within the male-dominated world of sports activities commentary.
The affect of this transformation is certain to resonate for years to come back, leaving a long-lasting legacy for future generations of ladies in Fijian sports activities journalism.
Mel Saga’itu-Atalifo is a advertising and social media skilled by day, sports activities commentator and unwavering sports activities fanatic by selection, injecting a dynamic edge into the world of sports activities with insightful commentary and a ardour for the sport.
She is a member of ABC Worldwide Growth’s Girls in Information and Sport Initiative, funded by the Australian Division of Overseas Affairs and Commerce by way of the Staff Up program.
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