BAVINA SOOKDEO
In the landscape of sports, Trinidad and Tobago stands out with its innovative approach to promoting gender equality through the Pink Reign Campaign. Launched by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development (MSCD), this initiative has garnered attention for its comprehensive strategies aimed at fostering inclusivity and promoting active participation by women and girls.
The Pink Reign Campaign traces its roots back to Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the Brighton Declaration on Women and Girls in Sport, signed in 1994. This commitment emphasised the need to increase female participation in sports across all levels and roles, aligning with global efforts to achieve gender equality in sports.
Aligned with the objectives of the National Sport Policy, the MSCD launched the Pink Reign Campaign with the aim of enriching citizens’ lives through widespread participation, quality training and sporting excellence.
The ministry says, “The primary goal of the Pink Reign Campaign is to foster the growth of women and girls in communities by offering opportunities to enhance awareness and participation in sports and physical activities.
“Its specific objectives include raising awareness about the significance of physical activity and sports in the lives of women and girls, promoting their participation, providing them with opportunities through sports, and highlighting the various roles they can play in sports, including as athletes, coaches, administrators, and more.
“Furthermore, the campaign targets working women, encouraging them to engage in physical activity to combat non-communicable diseases and reduce stress. It seeks to positively impact women and girls physically, emotionally, and psychologically through sports and physical activities, while also addressing stigmas that may hinder their participation.”
The Pink Reign Campaign also introduces unconventional sports and physical activities like martial arts, cheerleading, dance, badminton and jump-rope. This initiative aims to showcase that sports can be both enjoyable and transformative, leading to positive lifestyle changes.
Ultimately, the campaign seeks to unearth new talent, cultivate aspiring leaders, and cultivate a nurturing environment for women and girls in the realm of sports.
The campaign targets girls and women (aged seven and older), focusing on those interested in sports and physical activities but lacking information or motivation. Additionally, the campaign aims to reach individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity across all its initiatives.
Since its inception, the Pink Reign Campaign has implemented various initiatives and activities to achieve its objectives. These include:
• You Go Girl panel discussions: offering firsthand accounts of the triumphs and challenges experienced by girls and women who excel in sports in Trinidad and Tobago, these discussions aspire to ignite inspiration among others to embark on similar paths of achievement.
• #GirlsRunTT Challenge: dedicated to the memory of the late
