On the occasion of International Women’s Day, sports media professionals from across the globe came together for an inspiring online gathering. The event highlighted dialogue, collaboration and the empowerment of women in sports journalism.
The meeting opened with greetings from Dr. Zsuzsa Csisztu, Vice president of AIPS and presidential candidate, who emphasized the importance of connecting sports journalists worldwide. Csisztu highlighted several key AIPS projects, including the Young Reporters Programme, World Sports Awards, Women in Sports and Gender Equality initiatives. She explained that these programmes are designed to support career growth, professional development and inclusion within the global sports media community. She also highlighted the Women in Sports initiative, which seeks to empower women in sports journalism through networking, mentorship, while the Gender Equality initiatives aim to reduce barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all media professionals.
Insights from a Grand Slam Champion
A highlight of the event was the appearance of surprise guest Andrea Temesvári. Temesvári reflected on her professional tennis career. She emphasized resilience and adaptability, highlighting how athletes must navigate pressure and unexpected challenges while maintaining focus on long-term goals. Her reflections inspired the audience to consider how resilience and adaptability can drive success in the global sports journalism community.
Perspectives from Around the World
Leading sports journalism voices shared insights and experiences:
Prarthana Hazarika, an AIPS member since 2017, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about AIPS membership and expanding global professional networks. She noted that prior to joining, she had little knowledge of the association. Hazarika stressed that AIPS should be visible and accessible to all sports media professionals worldwide, enabling them to join their national sports press associations and benefit from continental and global AIPS resources. She also highlighted that sharing information about the association is particularly vital for both women and men in sports media, so they can access the opportunities, support, and professional development that AIPS offers.
Nargiz M Eldar, EC member of AIPS Europe, highlighted the importance of a network channel for sports media professionals, regardless of gender. She emphasized that the channel will serve as a hub for sharing resources and providing links to events, enabling sports media professionals worldwide to learn about global networking opportunities and come together as a unified community. She also noted that the channel helps members connect with their respective national press associations and ultimately provides a clear pathway to AIPS membership, giving full access to continental and international AIPS.
Bertille Missi Bikoun, Vice President of AIPS Africa, shared personal reflections on leadership in sports media, drawing from her experience across the continent. She emphasized the power of inclusive leadership, explaining how actively ensuring women have a voice in decision-making strengthens both the profession and the sports media community. Bikoun highlighted initiatives in AIPS Africa that focus on supporting emerging journalists. She stressed that fostering an inclusive environment not only empowers sports reporters but also enriches the impact of sports media globally.
Valentina Peña Orozco spoke about the rise of content creation in sports media and shared her personal experiences as a digital content creator. She explained how she manages every step of producing her content, from ideas and filming to posting her videos across multiple platforms. Valentina emphasized the importance of media diversification, showing how using different channels allows her work not only to reach wider audiences but also to prioritize fan engagement, drawing on examples from her career in motorsports journalism. She also highlighted how experimenting with interactive posts helps her strengthen connections with fans while increasing the visibility in sports media. Her stories illustrated that with adaptability and a focus on fan engagement, sports journalists can successfully navigate the digital media landscape and inspire audiences.
The session ended with reflections on upcoming initiatives to strengthen collaboration among sports journalists worldwide. Participants were encouraged to influence these opportunities and contribute to a more diverse and impactful international sports journalism community.
