Empowering Women with Fitness in Papua – Cecelia’s Impactful Journey

The Inspiring Story of Cecelia Kanawi and Her Fight against Lifestyle Diseases

After losing her mother to liver cancer in 2019, you might have taken a step back. But not Cecelia Kanawi. Determined to avoid a similar fate, she decided to make transformative life changes. Unbeknownst to her, this personal decision would have far-reaching effects, inspiring over 100 women in Papua New Guinea to join her fitness program, ‘Break a Sweat’.

Overcoming Insecurities and the Power of Fitness

Cecelia embarked on her fitness journey to combat her self-image issues. She felt too self-conscious to exercise at the gym, waiting until all the other attendees left before starting her workout. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced gyms to shut down, she saw an opportunity for change.

Building an Empowered Community through Fitness

During the lockdown, Cecelia took an online course and became a certified fitness trainer, officially registering her business. Starting with just five members, ‘Break the Sweat’ has seen its membership increase exponentially, now boasting over 100 participants. Offering services such as personal training, group sessions, and online training to international clients, Cecelia has created much more than a fitness program – she’s built a supportive community.

More Than Just Fitness – Creating a Support Network

What sets ‘Break a Sweat’ apart is the sense of community it fosters. The women who participate come from diverse fields, including law enforcement, health care, and legal professions. When a member is in need, whether it’s medical assistance or a protection order in cases of domestic violence, the others step up to help. This powerful sense of camaraderie extends beyond the gym, making a real difference in the lives of the women involved.

Towards an Empowered Future: Transforming Lives and Creating Athletes

One of the women attracted to ‘Break a Sweat’ was none other than Papua New Guinea’s Pacific Games gold medallist powerlifter, Linda Pulsan. Noticing Cecelia’s natural strength and weightlifting ability, she encouraged Cecelia to train with the Team PNG powerlifters. Cecelia ended up making her debut at the Pacific Games, winning silver. But the victory wasn’t just hers alone. Her gym shoes, belt, and other lifting accessories were all paid for by the women she trained, highlighting the supportive community she had built.

Making Fitness Accessible and Safe for Women

One of the participants of ‘Break a Sweat’, Matilda Pasum, found the program incredibly welcoming. As a full-time mother, she often found herself stressed out. Regular exercise provided an outlet for her stress and improved her mental well-being. Another supporter of the program is Tahina Booth, a former elite rugby league player, and founder of the Grass Skirt Project. She highlights how crucial it is for women to have access to affordable and supportive gym facilities in Papua New Guinea.

Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Equitable Fitness Opportunities

Apart from ‘Break a Sweat’, other gyms like East Street Fitness, owned by Florence Daple and William Darius Moaina, are also dedicated to creating accessible and high-quality gym settings. Florence and Darius share their personal experiences as young athletes struggling to find affordable and accessible gym facilities. They hope to create a space where women feel comfortable working out and are provided with the assistance they need.

The Future of Fitness in Papua New Guinea

Cecelia has a vision for the future where women are empowered through fitness. She hopes to see her brand grow across Papua New Guinea, creating more all-women fitness spaces. She believes men can play a part in this journey, as allies in ensuring that gym spaces are more accessible and inclusive.

Patricia Keamo is a sports reporter at The National in Papua New Guinea. She is part of ABC International Development’s Women in News and Sport Initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.