More than 100 delegates from 35 countries began a two-day discussion on improving and enhancing the role of women in the global rowing community. On the opening day of the first women's symposium of the International Canoe Federation in Dublin, Ireland, several keynote speakers spoke about some of the challenges faced by women seeking greater participation in canoeing, as well as heard a vision for the future. Several unique and vibrant workshops helped to start a discussion about how we create the future we want to see. The key message for this came from IOC President Thomas Bach, who quoted the new Olympic motto "Faster, higher, stronger – together." The message of "together" was repeated throughout the day: the CEO of Sport Ireland, Dr. Una May, emphasized the role of the community in creating an environment that allows women to feel confident and receive support to achieve leadership positions. "We can plan as best we can, but everything we want to achieve, we have to achieve through the community," Dr. May said. This message preceded an incredibly impressive keynote speech by Zelda La Grange, Nelson Mandela's former private secretary. The changes Zelda has witnessed in her home country of South Africa have become a prime example of the changes others can create in our own communities. The day ended with a performance by three leading women in world sports – Dr. Cecilia Farias (Vice President of the International Canoe Federation), Marie Burnett (ICF Executive Committee) and Nora Stapleton (leading woman in Irish sports). We left everyone present with some of the right actions they can take in their communities, with the message that both men and women have a responsibility to create an environment in which women will feel confident holding leadership positions. The organizers of the event would like to express their deep gratitude to Thomas Byrne T.D. (Minister of State for Sports and Physical Education) for participating and speaking at the event. And to all the sponsors and supporters of the event who helped bring this event to the stage.