Women’s Pacific Leadership Programme
Kalesi Nainoca – Fiji
Meet Kalesi Nainoca, a dedicated mother of two, teaching assistant, and master’s student in sociology. Her passion for sports and gender equality was ignited by her late father’s remarkable contributions to the Paralympics and Disability Rugby. Having seen first-hand the challenges that individuals with disabilities face in accessing sports, Kalesi has made it her mission to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
Currently pursuing her master’s degree in sociology, Kalesi is researching the challenges that disabled women face in accessing and participating in sports in Fiji. Through her ground-breaking thesis, Kalesi aims to shed light on the lived experiences of disabled women athletes in Fiji and contribute to filling the gaps in the accessibility of sports for this community.
Kalesi is now focused on bringing her ideas to life with her upcoming project called “TraiblazeHER: Ability unleashed” (Sports fun day). This project aims to provide a fun, safe, and inclusive introduction to sports for women and girls living with disabilities. Emerging women Paralympians who have represented Fiji in global sports will be key ambassadors and inspirational role models to young girls and women living with disabilities. The event will feature a diverse range of activities, including athletics, archery, boccia, badminton, lawn bowls, table tennis, sitting volleyball, and yoga. Kalesi also hopes to recruit and provide training opportunities for young girls and women living with disabilities to be part of the Fiji National Paralympic Team. Her long-term goal is to open a non-profit organisation that will be a hub of sports opportunities for women and young girls living with disabilities, harnessing the power of sports to create a positive impact.
As Fiji has the highest rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and amputations related to NCDs, Kalesi’s project also seeks to help combat these issues by partnering with the local Diabetes Hub to offer on-site health testing.
Despite facing challenges such as funding, communication, transportation, and finding suitable venues, Kalesi remains determined, focusing on planning and appointing grassroots leaders to help overcome these obstacles. Through her commitment to creating change and promoting inclusivity through sports, Kalesi is an inspiration to all those who know her. Her project promises to be a beacon of hope for many in the Pacific Island community.
