In celebration of the FIFA Women's World Cup Football, we were given tickets to the Equalize-State of Play event in Auckland at the Aotea Centre. It had former New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Dame Jacinda Ardern, screen legend and women's football champion Natalie Portman, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, and rugby icon Ruby Tui in an inspiring conversation on their experiences of gender equity issues, the position for girls and women in 2023, and pathways to a more equitable future. It was so amazing to hear these women encourage girls and women to never give up dreaming and achieving their dreams. A big thank you to Matua Ryan, Matua Kevin and Whaea Marilize for their help driving up to Auckland. It was a once in a lifetime experience. --Whaea Eliza
