The Asia Rugby Council approved the Executive Committee’s (EXCO) recommendation of changing the nomenclature of its ‘Women’s Advisory Committee’, renaming it the Gender Equity Committee, whilst also endorsing the inclusion of individuals of both genders on this committee.
In another move reflecting its commitment to gender equity, the EXCO empowered all committee chairpersons with the right to add more full members to make room for more women on committees, with the option of granting the previously assigned female ‘observers’ full membership status with complete voting rights.
The Women’s Advisory Committee has been at the forefront of major positive changes on the gender equity front with Chairperson Ada Milby leading by example. Ada, who is also Asia Rugby’s representative at World Rugby Council, briefed the Council on her journey and the gender-related advancements achieved by Asia Rugby during her tenure.
Particularly in the last two years, she said, with the support of the Asia Rugby leadership, the EXCO and Council, significant and substantial steps have been taken, including the Women’s Advisory Committee developing into the largest committee and reflecting the widest cross-section of member unions.
In an exemplary gracious and progressive act, Ada expressed her desire to now step down from her role as chairperson of the Committee to allow new leadership to come to the fore. Her services and gesture were greatly appreciated, and her recommendation to EXCO for the Iranian Nahid Biyarjomandi to take over the Gender Equity Committee was approved unanimously.
Ada further added “ I’m excited to pass the torch to Nahid who will continue to lead the Gender Equity Committee forward, exploring more ways to remove barriers to make rugby more accessible to all”.
Source: www.asiarugby.com