The Women in Media programme is underway, providing training and mentoring to a cohort of 24 women from 9 countries across the Pacific and Asia.  

Part of OFC’s Pacific Legacy ‘23 programme, Women in Media increases a growing network of women journalists and commentators who will receive ongoing mentoring support and opportunities both in football and across sports. 

Women in Media has been developed and delivered in partnership with Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and ABC International Development and is supported by FIFA and Team Up. It offers a unique opportunity for aspiring media professionals and seasoned commentators and journalists to continue to up-skill.  

Participants are currently engaged in a comprehensive 4-week online training program, where they receive industry-specific skills, knowledge, and guidance from experts in the field. They also have the chance to connect with other Pacific women in media and sports.  

Additionally, twelve selected participants will be invited to Brisbane, Australia, during the FIFA Women’s World Cup to attend workshops and engage with guest speakers, gain practice experience calling games, and receive feedback from their facilitators.  

The Women in Media programme is just one of the commendable contributions made by OFC to promote opportunities for women in football, across all areas of the game.  

Ali Osborne, OFC’s Social Responsibility and Legacy Programme Manager, expressed excitement about the initiative’s impact, stating, “We are excited to see more female journalists and commentators being offered opportunities to cover matches in their native language, which will help to increase the visibility of the women’s game in our region.” 

Osborne also emphasised the benefit of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the region, as it provides momentum and a unique platform for sharing valuable knowledge and experience in sports coverage. 

“Through their exposure to the world’s largest women’s sporting event, the participants will gain first-hand experience that will enhance their future employment prospects in the Pacific.” 

OFC’s commitment to women’s football has opened numerous life-changing opportunities for women across all aspects of the game. In 2023 alone, four women’s tournaments are scheduled, including the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League currently being held in Papua New Guinea. 

Lavenia Yalovi, who attended the Women in News and Sport (WINS) programme in 2018 in Lautoka, Fiji, has made remarkable strides as a sports commentator.  

She has commentated during multiple noteworthy events, such as the 2019 OFC playoffs in Fiji, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, the OFC Women’s Nation’s Cup in Fiji, and currently during the OFC Women’s Champions League.  

Yalovi serves as a shining example to Pacific women that a successful career in sports media is not only possible but achievable. 

“To all the young girls and women aspiring to be in the commentary space, I want to convey that nothing is impossible. Join commentary and become the voice that amplifies the power of sports,” Yalovi shared, inspiring others to pursue their dreams in sports media.