Women at the Helm is an initiative that empowers young women and girls in Cyprus to embrace leadership roles on land and at sea. Recently, the inaugural programme was hosted by Winds of Change in Larnaca, providing a unique blend of leadership workshops and practical sailing experience.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- "It is essential for young women to see successful figures in leadership roles, particularly in sports, as they pave the way for future generations," Papadopoulou remarked.
- Private yacht owners and volunteer skippers played a crucial role in facilitating the hands-on sailing experiences, allowing the participants to learn in a supportive and engaging environment.
- As Cyprus embraces this movement, the impact of Women at the Helm is likely to resonate far beyond the waters of Larnaca, inspiring future leaders across the island.
Women at: Empowering Future Leaders
The one-day programme took place at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel and Larnaca Marina, attracting participants aged 12 and above from various communities across the island. This first edition aimed to translate leadership principles into actionable skills under real sailing conditions.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Opening Remarks from Leaders
Winds of Change founder Sophia Papamichalopoulos OLY, who is also an Olympian and vice president of World Sailing, opened the event with an inspiring speech. She emphasised the importance of reclaiming space, stepping into leadership roles, and the necessity of women supporting one another in their journeys.
“The core values of our initiative are challenge, empower, inspire, and together,” she stated, encouraging participants to view both calm waters and difficult conditions as integral parts of their leadership journey.
Inspiring Role Models
The event also featured guest of honour Sofia Papadopoulou OLY, an Olympic bronze medallist from the Beijing 2008 Games and founder of SailSofia. Drawing on her own sporting experiences, she discussed themes of resilience, visibility, and solidarity, highlighting the critical need for role models for women and girls in sports.
“It is essential for young women to see successful figures in leadership roles, particularly in sports, as they pave the way for future generations,” Papadopoulou remarked.
Hands-On Experience on the Water
A total of 27 participants took to the water aboard seven yachts, where they were supported by experienced coaches and skippers. Many of these young women helmed a vessel for the first time, providing them with valuable lessons in communication, trust, and decision-making within a sailing environment.
Participants reported feelings of empowerment and excitement as they navigated the waters, learning the intricacies of sailing and the importance of teamwork. This hands-on approach is designed to foster confidence in their leadership abilities, both on and off the water.
Community Support and Collaboration
The programme received backing from the International Olympic Committee and the IOC Young Leader Programme, further emphasising its significance and potential impact. Local sailing schools, clubs, and partners, including Ponatha (Cyprus Offshore Yacht Club), Ostria Sailing Academy, SailCyprus, and Blue Gravity Yachting, also contributed to the initiative.
Private yacht owners and volunteer skippers played a crucial role in facilitating the hands-on sailing experiences, allowing the participants to learn in a supportive and engaging environment.
Building a Network of Future Leaders
According to the organisers, Women at the Helm signifies an important step in creating a robust network of women and girls across Cyprus, united by a shared approach to leadership. Starting with the decision to take the helm, the programme aims to inspire a new generation of female leaders who will continue to support one another in their pursuits.
As the event concluded, many participants expressed their determination to pursue further opportunities in leadership and sailing, inspired by their newfound skills and the connections they made during the programme.
A Bright Future Ahead
Winds of Change is committed to continuing the Women at the Helm programme, with plans for future editions that will expand upon the initial success of this first event. The feedback from participants and mentors alike has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong desire for more opportunities to cultivate leadership among women and girls in Cyprus.
This initiative not only empowers individuals but also contributes to a broader cultural shift towards recognising the potential of women in leadership roles, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men.
As Cyprus embraces this movement, the impact of Women at the Helm is likely to resonate far beyond the waters of Larnaca, inspiring future leaders across the island.
