Beyond the Balance Sheet: A New Playbook for Empowering IDD Women

SINGAPORE – March 31, 2026 – In a city known for financial analytics and global trade, a different kind of metric was the focus of a landmark event this week. Wood Mackenzie, a leader in energy and natural resources data, turned its attention from market trends to a pressing social issue: the profound exclusion of women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from the world of sport.

Hosted at its Asia Pacific headquarters, the “Women & Girls Rising Through Sport” forum, held in partnership with Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP), cast a harsh light on a stark statistic. Across the region, women and girls account for just 30% of all Special Olympics participants. This gender gap reveals a landscape of systemic barriers that prevent a deeply marginalized group from accessing the transformative power of athletic competition.

A Corporate Shift Towards Social Impact

For Wood Mackenzie, the partnership is a deliberate move to translate corporate values into tangible action. The initiative is a cornerstone of its 'Thrive' program, an internal framework focused on Community Engagement, Wellness, Sustainability, and Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging (ID&B). While many firms in the energy sector are increasingly focused on the environmental aspects of ESG, this collaboration highlights a growing emphasis on the 'social' component—addressing equity and community well-being directly.

“Inclusion isn't a box we tick. It's something we try to live through the way we work and the partnerships we choose,” stated Derryn Maade, Global Head of Metals & Mining at Wood Mackenzie. “Our Thrive program reflects that commitment in a tangible way, and partnering with Special Olympics Asia Pacific brings that commitment to life. The work they do to open doors for women and girls across our region is exactly the kind of impact we want to be part of.”

This approach reflects a broader trend where corporate philanthropy is evolving into strategic social investment. By leveraging its platform and resources, the analytics firm aims to do more than write a check; it seeks to amplify a critical conversation and drive meaningful change. This aligns with the firm's internal efforts, which include active employee resource groups for gender and accessibility, and a company-wide push for community volunteering.

The Steep Climb for Female Athletes

The challenges facing aspiring female athletes with IDD in the Asia Pacific region are immense and multifaceted. The discussion, moderated by SOAP board member Pippa Woodhead, brought these issues from the abstract into sharp, personal focus. The panel featured a powerful blend of perspectives: Olympic sailor and SOAP Senior Manager Jovina Choo; Special Olympics dance sport athlete Megan Tang; her mother and advocate Jasmine Lai; and James Andrade of the US-ASEAN Business Council.

Jovina Choo, who transitioned from an Olympic competitor to a sports administrator, detailed the obstacles that go far beyond the playing field. “Systemic barriers continue to limit the participation of women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across our region from inadequate transport and limited access to facilities, to safety concerns and persistent cultural biases,” she explained.

Research supports this reality. Beyond logistical hurdles, individuals with IDD face higher rates of bullying and are significantly less likely to have attended school. They also confront major health disparities, making the physical and mental benefits of sport even more critical. The panel discussion underscored that for this demographic, access to sport is not a luxury but a vital pathway to health, confidence, and community integration.

Redefining Victory Through Sport

Despite the steep climb, the event’s prevailing message was one of resilience and empowerment. The focus was not on disability, but on the remarkable ability of sport to unlock human potential. Panellists shared stories of how athletic participation builds confidence, fosters independence, and develops leadership skills that extend into every area of life.

Special Olympics Asia Pacific, which serves over half a million athletes across 35 countries, has built its entire model on this principle. Its work goes far beyond organizing competitions. Through initiatives like the Unified Champion Schools® program, which promotes inclusion in educational settings, and comprehensive health screenings for athletes, SOAP addresses the holistic needs of its community. The organization is actively working to create a pipeline of opportunity, from early engagement in the Young Athletes program to developing athlete leaders who become powerful advocates for their peers.

“Across Asia Pacific, female athletes are rising above these challenges demonstrating resilience, redefining perceptions, and leading change,” Choo noted. “Through sport, they build confidence, develop skills, and inspire more inclusive communities.”

The presence of athlete leader Megan Tang and her mother Jasmine Lai provided a living testament to this truth, illustrating the profound impact that a supportive environment and dedicated programs can have on an individual and their family.

A Call for Collective Action

The evening concluded not with self-congratulation, but with a clear and urgent call to action. The partnership between Wood Mackenzie and Special Olympics Asia Pacific is a model, but scaling its impact requires broader community and corporate buy-in. The event highlighted key funding priorities for SOAP, including the need for more trained coaches, the creation of safe and inclusive training environments, and the development of robust leadership pathways for female athletes.

The theme of the night, “Give To Gain,” resonated through this final appeal. It framed support for these athletes not as charity, but as an investment that yields returns for everyone. By contributing time, resources, and networks, individuals and organizations can help dismantle the barriers that persist. The collaboration demonstrates a shared belief that when women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities are empowered to step onto the field, society as a whole takes a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future.