Screening of ‘Maya and the Wave’ with Maya Gabeira, UNESCO Champion for the Ocean and Youth

I hope to inspire people when having a memory of how difficult it was to pave a way for women in my sport, and how big a dreamer I was. But to see that it was all worthwhile, that what I dreamed was possible, that nobody else believed the fact that I was able to believe in myself, and that it made things possible. And I think that's our power. We shall never forget that.

I was so curious about what the experience of a woman was like, surfing these giant waves, mostly surrounded by men…I'm just so proud and excited that we have this proof of what women can do in the world. Human beings are a very complicated species and have done a lot of bad things, but they also can do tremendously wonderful things, and it's wonderful that we can celebrate that, and that Maya can show women and girls what's possible.

Maya Gabeira: UNESCO Champion for the Ocean and Youth

Maya Gabeira is a fearless advocate who confronts the raw power of nature, challenges societal expectations, and defies the odds. Through her unwavering determination, she champions gender equality in sports and beyond, inspiring young people, particularly girls, to break barriers and wholeheartedly pursue their dreams.

In 2023, Maya addressed the UNESCO Youth Forum, which focused on the social impact of climate change, to advocate for ocean conservation and call for collective action to protect the planet. Her efforts embody UNESCO's mission to empower youth, especially young women, to play an active role in fostering inclusive development through sports.

Empowering Women for Ocean Conservation

During the discussion, UNESCO's latest publication, Unchartered Waters: An Exploration for Gender Equality and Ocean was mentioned in light of the themes.

In this publication, we highlight the crucial role women play in protecting the ocean. The ocean covers most of our planet, but it faces big challenges like pollution and climate change, which affect women more than others, especially in small island countries. This publication builds on what we've learned today-how empowering women in ocean-related jobs is key to saving our oceans and creating a fairer world for everyone.

Engaging the Next Generation

The highlight of the evening was a dynamic Q&A session with the audience, who posed thoughtful questions to the speakers. Topics ranged from overcoming pain and solitude to promoting gender equality in sports.

The will to be lonely comes first from an example, from other stories, like the story in this film, from men and women, but also from experience. Once you are a woman and you experience what it is like to be in a field where you have no gender, where you are not an exception, where you are not weak or strong, you are just what you are and you are your own reference for strength, or powerfulness, or courage, or fear. It's something that gives us a lot of freedom.