IWG Women & Sport

IWG Women & Sport The International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Girls is the world's largest network dedicated to advancing gender equality in sport and physical activity.

Founded to encourage collaboration and share knowledge around the globe. Make Change Happen.

We’re proud to support Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025!Backed by former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie,   is...
10/10/2025

We’re proud to support Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025!

Backed by former Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, is all about breaking barriers, trying new things and getting active with friends. Every move matters. 💪

As the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing gender equality in sport and physical activity, the IWG on Women and Sport is proud to champion initiatives like this inspiring women and girls everywhere to find their fit and thrive.

We’re also proud to recognise , an IWG signatory, for its ongoing commitment to creating more opportunities for women and girls to get active across Scotland. 🙌

👉 Find your fit near you and get involved: bit.ly/4gOLIhD

This story is part of our Signatory Showcase, shining a light on how IWG signatories worldwide are advancing gender equity in sport and physical activity.

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes IWG UPDATE from Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG Women & Sport!This month,...
09/10/2025

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes IWG UPDATE from Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG Women & Sport!

This month, Annamarie reflects on:
🌍 Formalising a new partnership between IWG and UN Women through a Memorandum of Understanding during UN General Assembly week in New York
🤝 Collaborating with Jayathama Wickramanayake and Sarah Hendriks from UN Women on priorities and next steps for implementation
🌐 Working with the IOC Gender Equality Team to shape a coordinated global approach through the Global Impact Network
💬 Reconnecting with inspiring colleagues Dr Lin Sambili, Katra Sambili, and Zahra Bahlewa Moi from Kenya, supporting IWG Women & Sport and the Global Summit

🔗 Read Annamarie’s full update and join the conversation in the IWG Women and Sport Global Community on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/12918053/

A historic first in advancing gender equality in sport The Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester Combined Authori...
09/10/2025

A historic first in advancing gender equality in sport

The Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester Combined Authority become the first place-based signatories of IWG Women & Sport’s Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, setting an inspiring precedent that IWG is excited to share as a case study across our global network .

Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham are leading the charge to break down the barriers that prevent women and girls from being active 💪

We are proud to support this pioneering work and are looking forward to showcasing it at the IWG Global Summit in Birmingham in July 2026, where international leaders in sport and physical activity will gather to accelerate progress for women and girls.

We look forward to seeing their plans take shape and deliver real, lasting change across both regions

🔗 Find out more: https://iwgwomenandsport.org/first-place-based-signatories-in-declarations-30-year-history/

Greater Manchester Combined Authority Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

MSP IWG Women & Sport

Global Push for Gender Equality in Sport Gains Momentum with New UN and IWG Partnership We are thrilled to announce that...
08/10/2025

Global Push for Gender Equality in Sport Gains Momentum with New UN and IWG Partnership

We are thrilled to announce that UN Women has signed a landmark agreement with the International Working Group on Women and Sport IWG Women & Sport to accelerate gender equality across the global sports arena. This partnership will harness the power of sport to empower women and girls, strengthen movements, and drive systemic change worldwide.

Through the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two partners will work with governments, federations and civil society to build coalitions and press for shifts in policy, practice and social norms that advance women’s rights and leadership.

Sarah Hendriks, Director of Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division at UN Women: "UN Women is proud to join forces with IWG to advance our shared commitment to gender equality in and through sport. Together, we can ensure that sport becomes a platform where women and girls everywhere are empowered to participate, lead, and thrive."

Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG: "I am delighted to have signed the MOU with UN Women today. This partnership will accelerate the changes we are both striving to make and support the IWG Global Summit 2026 in Birmingham, bringing leaders and advocates together from across the world of sport."

We look forward to working closely with UN Women to build stronger coalitions, share insights, and create systemic change for women and girls in sport globally.

👉 Read more on the IWG website: https://iwgwomenandsport.org/global-push-for-gender-equality-in-sport-with-un-women/

Signatory Showcase | Stories of InspirationWhat does it take to embed equality across sport in Europe?The Equip for Equa...
02/10/2025

Signatory Showcase | Stories of Inspiration

What does it take to embed equality across sport in Europe?

The Equip for Equality in Practice (EQUIP) project was coordinated by ENGSO, involved 9 partners from 6 European countries, and aimed at improving equality in sport in Europe through the practical and sustainable implementation of the existing good practices and policies.

To make this real, ENGSO supported sport organisations with practical tools, a supportive expert network, and a mentoring programme. More than 60 clubs and federations engaged through 12 “Equality Within Sport” workshops and 24 went on to implement equality action plans guided by a Design Guide created by partners.

By starting small, engaging decision makers early, and committing to sustainable change, ENGSO and its partners are showing how leadership and participation can work hand-in-hand to create more inclusive sport environments.

👉 This story is part of our Signatory Showcase, shining a light on how IWG signatories worldwide are advancing gender equity in sport and physical activity.

🔗 Learn more about the EQUIP project: www.engso-education.eu/projects/equip/
Explore how your organisation can become an IWG Signatory: https://iwgwomenandsport.org

- GezondSporten *NSF -SISU Örebro län

Our Insight Spotlight this week, from our IWG Women & Sport Insight Hub, zooms in on Female Leaders of Tomorrow (FLOT) a...
01/10/2025

Our Insight Spotlight this week, from our IWG Women & Sport Insight Hub, zooms in on Female Leaders of Tomorrow (FLOT) a pioneering project equipping young African and European women with the skills, knowledge and experience to lead the Global Sport for All Movement.

🌍 Through global mobility and mentoring, FLOT strengthens future employability and empowers the next generation of female leaders in sport.

💡 The IWG Insight Hub is your trusted source for powerful research, case studies and toolkits. All contributed by the global IWG network, designed to empower gender equity and equality for women and girls in and through sport and physical activity worldwide.

🔗 Explore this project and other essential resources on the IWG Insight Hub: 👉 www.iwginsighthub.org/insight/future-leaders-of-tomorrow

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes UPDATE from Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG Women & Sport!This month,...
30/09/2025

It’s time for another behind-the-scenes UPDATE from Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG Women & Sport!

This month, Lisa reflects on:
🏉 Record-breaking crowds at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
🤝 World Rugby signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration
⚽ Aston Villa Women proudly displaying the IWG Global Summit logo
💬 Insights from IWG Shift\Sessions on leadership with Annamarie Phelps & Professor Laura McAllister https://mailchi.mp/fd0884c460ee/shiftsession2

PLUS don’t miss the chance to submit your content proposals for the IWG Global Summit 2026 (deadline: 31 October) https://us21.list-manage.com/survey?u=e18c85b586cd813811de76013&id=f2bf1e60ad&attribution=false

🔗 Head over to the IWG Women and Sport Global Community on LinkedIn to read Lisa’s full update and join the conversation: https://lnkd.in/dyMKyK2V

World Rugby signs IWG Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration On day one of their Women’s Rugby Summit, Wor...
25/09/2025

World Rugby signs IWG Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration

On day one of their Women’s Rugby Summit, World Rugby officially became the latest signatory of the IWG Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, our global treaty driving gender equity in sport and physical activity.

👏 This comes as the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 hits record-breaking highs, from ticket sales to broadcast audiences, with 82,000 fans set to pack the stadium for Saturday’s final.

💬 Brett Robinson, Chairman: “It is a huge privilege to add World Rugby’s name to the Declaration. This week we reach the crescendo of a record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 - the perfect moment to recommit to deliver for women and girls in rugby around the world.”

💬 Sally Horrox, Chief of Women’s Rugby: “The women’s game is our biggest area for growth. Signing the Declaration ensures our work doesn’t stop here - 2025 is just the foundation for bigger and better things to come.”

✨ Lisa O’Keefe MBE: “We’re thrilled to welcome World Rugby as a signatory and look forward to showcasing their leadership at the IWG Global Summit on Women and Sport in 2026.”

👉 Read more on the IWG website: https://iwgwomenandsport.org/world-rugby-signs-brighton-plus-helsinki-declaration/

Missed the live session? ▶️ Sign up below to watch the recording of IWG SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift.This was a po...
18/09/2025

Missed the live session? ▶️ Sign up below to watch the recording of IWG SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift.

This was a powerful, uplifting conversation on leadership, courage and change in sport - called “inspiring, empowering, refreshing and vital” by attendees.

Expect fresh insights, bold ideas and a thought-provoking exchange between two of sport’s most influential leaders:
🔹 Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of the IWG
🔹 Professor Laura McAllister CBE FLSW FRSA, UEFA Vice President and Executive Committee member

“There are only two options in leadership. One is to get involved and try and improve and change things. The other is to sit at home and complain.”

▶️ Watch the replay now and be inspired to lead the shift!

https://mailchi.mp/fd0884c460ee/shiftsession2

Tomorrow!SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift is almost here.  A must-attend conversation on leadership, courage and the p...
16/09/2025

Tomorrow!
SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift is almost here. A must-attend conversation on leadership, courage and the power to change sport.

🗓 Wednesday 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 Free on Zoom

Join Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of the IWG, and Professor Laura McAllister CBE FLSW FRSA, UEFA Vice President and Executive Committee member, for a dynamic discussion that will challenge and inspire.

💬 “The changes that sport desperately needs only happen when those currently in power are courageous and determined and insist upon diverse leadership around them.” Professor Laura McAllister

We’ll explore who truly holds the power to shift the system in sport, and how women can lead structural change to create inclusive and diverse governance.

👉 Last chance to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EqGN9WRnRYSCAm1loesr2w

We’re delighted to welcome Sport Wales as the latest signatory of the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration!By signing,...
12/09/2025

We’re delighted to welcome Sport Wales as the latest signatory of the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration!

By signing, Sport Wales is strengthening its commitment to ensuring women and girls across Wales have equal and equitable opportunities to take part, compete and build careers in sport. 💪⚽🏉🏅

This important step will help guide future decisions and policies that impact women and girls, from funding facilities to developing the next generation of female leaders.

Tanni Grey-Thompson, Chair of Sport Wales, reflected on the significance of the signing "The gender gap begins in childhood so it’s vital that we get more girls engaged in sport and physical activity from a young age and keep them coming back for more."

Read more about their commitment on our news page
🔗 https://iwgwomenandsport.org/sport-wales-signs-the-brighton-plus-helsinki-declaration/

Just days to go until SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift – your chance to join an online powerful conversation about lea...
12/09/2025

Just days to go until SHIFT\SESSION 2: Leading the Shift – your chance to join an online powerful conversation about leadership, courage and change in sport. Join us online for this free virtual session and be part of the conversation.

🗓 Wednesday 17 September
🕐 1pm BST
💻 Free on Zoom

Expect fresh insights, bold ideas and a thought-provoking exchange between two of sport’s most influential leaders:
🔹 Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of the IWG
🔹 Professor Laura McAllister CBE FLSW FRSA, UEFA Vice President and Executive Committee member

“Sport only changes when those in power choose courage and demand diverse leadership.” Professor Laura McAllister

This session will explore who truly holds the power to shift the system in sport, from boardrooms to coaching benches. We’ll dig into the barriers to leadership, strategies for impact and what it takes to create inclusive and diverse sport governance.

👉 Reserve your place now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EqGN9WRnRYSCAm1loesr2w

Address

Sport & Recreation Alliance, 137-145 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6PL

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