TAFISA was represented at the ASEAN–Japan Action on Sports: Gender Equality Workshop, held from 13–15 January 2026 in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, through the participation of Game Mothibi, TAFISA Senior Consultant, who served as one of the workshop facilitators.
The workshop was officially opened by H.E. Wat Chamroeun, Secretary of State and High Representative, and H.E. Dr. Heng Chuan Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of Cambodia. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from ASEAN Member States and Japan, SGE University, sports administrators, and internationally recognised experts to engage in dialogue on advancing gender equality in and through sport.
Background of the Workshop
The ASEAN–Japan Action on Sports initiative is a long-standing cooperation framework aimed at strengthening regional collaboration through sport, with a focus on education, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The 2026 workshop placed specific emphasis on gender equality, recognising sport as a powerful platform to address structural inequalities, promote women's leadership, and create inclusive sporting systems across the ASEAN region.
Over three days, participants explored policy approaches, practical tools, and case studies related to gender-responsive governance, safeguarding, leadership pathways for women, and inclusive programme design. The workshop was intentionally designed to reflect the diversity of ASEAN contexts while fostering shared learning and regional solidarity.
TAFISA's Contribution
As a facilitator, Game Mothibi supported interactive sessions focused on translating gender equality commitments into concrete action within sport organisations' grassroots and community-based programmes. Drawing on TAFISA's extensive expertise in Sport for All, gender transformation, and inclusive leadership, her facilitation emphasised:
- Practical strategies for embedding gender equality in sport policies and grassroots programmes
- Strategies and programmes to encourage women's and girls' participation in sport at grassroot level
- Strengthening institutional capacity and accountability
Opportunities for Reconnection with the ASEAN Region
TAFISA's engagement in the ASEAN–Japan Action on Sports workshop highlights valuable opportunities to reconnect and strengthen collaboration with the ASEAN region. These include:
- Renewed partnerships with government ministries, sport councils, NOCs and regional institutions
- Capacity-building initiatives for Sport for All leaders, with a focus on the TAFISA Certified Leadership Course and the Girls Safe and Positive Coaching Pathway
- Joint programmes aligned with ASEAN priorities on youth development, education, and social inclusion
- Knowledge exchange and co-creation of regional learning platforms and leadership pathways
As a global leader in Sport for All, TAFISA remains committed to working alongside ASEAN stakeholders in advancing inclusive sport policies and practices that leave no one behind.
