EQUALIZE: Championing Equity and Empowerment

Over six events we celebrated women in sport, business, culture and society during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™. EQUALIZE provided a platform for the voices of 50 women whose stories of triumph and resilience inspired audiences both local and global.

The stellar line-up included Hollywood screen creative Natalie Portman, former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern, FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura, Black Ferns star Ruby Tui, sporting legends Dame Valerie Adams and Paralympian Holly Robinson; and Angel City FC President Julie Uhrman – to name a few.

Ruby Tui said she was honoured to join other inspirational women for the event. “As a female rugby player, I have seen a lot of doubt from others just because we are women. But I believe our job is to show the doubters that we aren’t the inconvenience; we are the opportunity.”

Speaker topics included the achievements and the hurdles with sporting success, the story Angel City FC, body positivity, surviving domestic violence, positive relationships and consent, and stories of women claiming space where men have dominated the landscape.

GirlBoss entrepreneur Alexia Hilbertidou said: “It’s vital young women have a platform so we can break down barriers and defy societal norms. Bringing together these incredible wāhine for EQUALIZE gives us just that – a focus for conversation about how we reshape the landscape for future generations.”  

The legacy of EQUALIZE extends beyond the confines of any tournament. It has generated powerful conversations. This movement has reached into communities, inspired future generations, and advocated for the rights and opportunities of women and girls in sports and society.

Did you miss the events? Catch up on all things EQUALIZE and watch the key discussions championing women and girls in sports and society here: Equalize Series (eyeson.nz)

EQUALIZE was designed and produced by the New Zealand Story Group to showcase New Zealand’s role in driving gender equity globally. New Zealand Story Group is a government agency charged with protecting, enhancing and promoting the country’s international brand.   

With support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), EQUALIZE celebrated the strength of wāhine toa—strong women—with diverse backgrounds and age groups across New Zealand, from Auckland to Hamilton, Dunedin to Wellington.

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