The second annual TEAM UP Regional Safeguarding Workshop, which wrapped up at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, attracted 65 participants from seven Pacific Island nations. This event aimed to strengthen the safeguarding practices within sport development programs supported by the Australian Government across the Pacific region.
Building on the success of its inaugural workshop last year, this three-day gathering focused on enhancing participants’ skills in reporting, referrals, and managing safeguarding issues in sports. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees were equipped with crucial insights to tackle various forms of abuse, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding the well-being of women, girls, and individuals with disabilities.
Roshika Deo, Team Up’s Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion Safeguarding Adviser, stated that the workshop was designed to help participants learn effective reporting methods. “This workshop brought together sports administrators and service providers from across the Pacific, including professionals focusing on gender-based services and women’s rights organizations,” she mentioned. The aim was to empower sports personnel to confidently implement safeguarding protocols, fostering safe and inclusive environments in sports.
Deo highlighted three significant objectives of the workshop: educating sports organizations on identifying abuse signs in both children and adults, familiarizing participants with documentation and first-response protocols for addressing reports of violence, and introducing accountability mechanisms and case management processes for handling incidents.
Participants also engaged in discussions to strengthen connections between safeguarding advocates and service providers to bolster regional support systems. The workshop served as a valuable platform for sharing experiences, addressing challenges, and collaborating on solutions to prioritize safety in sports.
Supported by the Oceania Impact Network, this initiative is part of wider efforts to provide necessary safeguarding training to sport for development programs and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) throughout the Pacific. The workshop underscored the commitment of regional stakeholders to foster a safe, inclusive, and empowering sporting ecosystem, contributing to a future devoid of violence and discrimination in sports.
In summary, the workshop not only addressed critical safeguarding issues but also laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and support among Pacific nations, promoting a brighter, safer future for athletes and participants in the region.
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