In conjunction with Women’s Day on March 8, the MGA Women in Golf Charter (WIGC) reiterated its dedication to further increase the participation of women in golf and promote gender equality in the sport with the belief that every woman should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of golf, whether as a recreational player, a competitive athlete, or a professional in the golf industry.
To meet the objectives of the Charter, WIGC will be launching a series of programs and initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women and girls playing golf, as well as encouraging more women to work within the golf industry. These programs will include:
- Women-only golf clinics and events
- Mentorship and networking opportunities for women in the golf industry
- Increased representation of women on boards and committees
“We are excited to join the R&A Women in Golf Charter and to be part of a global movement towards greater gender diversity and equality in golf,” says Dato’ Merina Gan, Chairwoman of the WIGC who is also the Vice President of the MGA. “We believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and thriving golf community, one that provides opportunities for all women to succeed.”
The WIGC is seen as an important step towards a more equitable and diverse future for golf. The Charter is encouraging other organisations to join them in supporting this initiative and in promoting gender equality in the sport.
Besides the R&A Women in Golf Charter, another program with similar objectives is the “LPGA Women’s Network.” This online platform provides a space for women to connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. The network offers a range of resources, including golf instruction, fitness tips, and career advice.
In addition to these programs, many golf courses and clubs have taken steps to increase gender equality. This includes offering women-only golf clinics and events, providing equal prize money for men and women, and ensuring that women are represented on boards and committees.
“The golf industry has made great strides in recent years towards empowering women,” says Dato’ Merina Gan. “But there is still work to be done. We must continue to promote diversity and inclusivity in golf and provide women with the resources they need to succeed.”
MGA has also made great strides in empowering women in its organisation by sponsoring a resolution to include a third Vice President who must be a lady. The resolution was passed by two thirds of the members in the 2020 AGM. Another critical and revolutionary decision made by the MGA to empower women in the industry was done by appointing a lady, Ms Deborah Wong to head its Rules & Amateur Status Subcommittee.
Deborah Wong, Head of Rules & Amateur Status Subcommittee
The WIGC is aware that the golf industry has the potential to be a powerful force for gender equality, and hope that these programs will serve as a model for other industries to follow. By embracing diversity and empowering women, the golf industry can create a more inclusive and thriving community.
The Women in Golf Charter is an initiative aimed at promoting greater gender diversity and equality in the sport of golf. The charter, launched by the R&A in 2018, has been signed by over 250 organisations worldwide, including golf clubs, national federations, and manufacturers. The Malaysian Golf Association came on board as a signatory of the R&A Women in Golf Charter and successfully launched its own Charter on 7th June 2022 at the Royal Selangor Golf Club. So far, 35 MGA Affiliates have come on board as signatories of the Chapter.
At the launch, the Malaysian Golf Association also announced their support for the Women in Golf Charter as part of their commitment to promote gender equality.
For more information about the WIGC, including sponsorship opportunities and how to be a signatory, please visit www.mgaonline.com.my or contact Ms Nadia Qistina at nadia@mgaonline.com.my
