A Solomon Islands participant, Jennifer Mark, has joined women from five other Pacific countries at the 2026/27 Pacific Women Leaders in Tennis programme held in Fiji from 13 to 18 September.
Tennis Australia said the programme is part of its Pacific Women and Girls in Tennis initiative and is supported by the Australian Government through PacificAusSports.
According to the release, the programme aims to support Pacific women to take up leadership positions on and off the court through professional development, networking and practical leadership experience.
Now in its fifth year, it brings together women from Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
The release names the participants as Anita Bossi Ireng and Stella Rumbam of Papua New Guinea, Repeka Fiu of Fiji, Alyssa Johnson of the Federated States of Micronesia, Jennifer Mark of Solomon Islands, Kaycee Nimoho of Vanuatu, and Ihana Ropati Letutusa and Measina Westurland of Samoa.
The programme is led by Tennis Australia's Head of International Engagement, Isabelle Gemmel. Workshops were run by Tennis Australia's Head of Women and Girls, Andrea Buckeridge, and PNG Tennis President and Oceania Tennis Federation board member Barbara Stubbings, a graduate of the first programme in 2023.
Gemmel said participants included officials, coaches, administrators, educators, volunteers and community leaders working to open opportunities for women, girls and young people through tennis.
President of the Oceania Tennis Federation and Director International Relations and Social Impact at Tennis Australia, Vicki Reid, said many graduates had taken up leadership positions in tennis organisations, their workplaces and their communities.
"By investing in women leaders, we are strengthening tennis pathways and creating opportunities for future generations," Reid said.
Fiji's Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection, Selina Kuruleca, opened the second day. James Ramsay, representing the High Commission of Fiji, also spoke to participants.
Tennis Australia said the programme will end in January 2027, when participants travel to Melbourne for final workshops and graduation during the Australian Open.