#ChooseToChallenge on International Women’s Day
By Matt Stevens
Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). A big day for inspiration and change. This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge.
Today and every day, we aim to provide equal opportunity to be involved with our sport. We aim to honour and celebrate the achievements of women in Tenpin Bowling at every opportunity. We understand the power of inspiration to those who may one day follow in the footsteps of those they see.
We #ChooseToChallenge barriers that prevent women and girls from attaining their highest level of dreams and goals. Women have long achieved greatness in our sport with copious examples that string back decades.
Only behind the United States (9), Australia has produced six women who have lifted the prestigious QubicaAMF World Bowling Cup on seven occasions. Not to mention, the last winner in 2019 was none other than Rebecca Whiting.
Our illustrious Hall of Fame showcases thirteen amazing women who have provided extraordinary achievements that are forever etched and recognised in our sport’s history.
We are proud to be a sport that is committed to women’s equality. Tenpin Bowling offers opportunities for all genders to participate in various capacities. Our sport has long recognised equality, with equal participation opportunities. The opportunity to represent our country, a privilege that is not reserved for gender also.
Still, there is a continuing need for more progressive mindsets and inclusive behaviours to be forged. TBA has recognised this by supporting Strike 3 Bowling’s recently announced initiative of equal prize money for men and women at our upcoming Australian National Championship in Tasmania.
On Monday, March 8th 2021, the International Bowling Federation (IBF) will showcase a Gender Equality and Women Leadership Forum in partnership with the Saudi Arabia Bowling Federation to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The Forum aims to provide a platform for which to raise issues surrounding gender equality amongst sports. Australian representatives Cara Honeychurch and Bianca Flanagan will join an extensive list of leaders and athletes in the industry contributing to the Forum.
After being suggested by TBA to partake in the forum, Bianca Flanagan relished the experience.
“The other panel members I was with have been huge role models for me, women I have watched coach and have competed against, so it was good to catch up with them again and discuss important topics within our sport”.
“No matter where we are in the world, our sport connects us. It gives us the ability to learn, grow and be bold in the choices we make”.
For those wanting to know what they will get out of the Forum, Bianca shared
“You will hear from talented and brilliant women from all over the world, sharing their experiences and passions at all levels of the sport. It will give viewers the opportunity to engage with some incredible women and hopefully provide an insight into how and why we are in the roles are in”.
The Forum can be streamed via the IBF Academy at 7.00 pm AEDT on Monday the 8th March, and the link can be found here.
To read more about the forum click here
The forum will also be accessible as a replay on YouTube following the premier stream.
