IOC Pushes for Parity on International Women's Day

(ATR) Olympic leaders convene in Lausanne to discuss ways to increase leadership opportunities for women in sport on International Women’s Day.

The International Olympic Committee began the second annual IF Women in Leadership Forum on March 6 in conjunction with the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations. The forum features IOC members, IF and NOC presidents such as Marisol Casado, Tamas Ajan and Sarah Keane talking about the desire for gender parity in the Olympic Movement.

A primary focus of the forum is the IOC’s goal of having 30 percent of decision-making positions held by women by the year 2020.

"Today is International Women’s Day," an IOC statement reads. "An opportunity for the IOC to recall the efforts made to reach its key objective of parity, both on the field of play and within decision-making bodies.

"The Olympic Movement’s efforts are focused not just on having more women on the field of play at the Games. The IOC is working hard to address this issue from several angles, particularly by setting up training, mentoring and networking programs for women."

More than 65 representatives are attending the three-day forum in the Olympic capital.

"In my view, striving for gender equality within our organizations is interlinked with good governance," said ASOIF president Francisco Ricci Bitti. "It is not about ticking any boxes, but about developing a favorable culture and then implementing certain principles consistently across all organizational policies and activities."

IPC Recognizes Paralympian Turned Rights Promoter

The International Paralympic Committee gives its annual International Women’s Day Award to Dr. Cheri Blauwet.

A seven-time Paralympian and wheelchair racer who retired in 2008, Blauwet now maintains a sports medicine practice in Boston, Massachusetts and has published research that has led to participation increases in para sport and more knowledge on para sport injuries. She also serves as the IPC’s Medical Committee chairwoman.

"I am honored and humbled to receive the 2017 IPC International Women's Day Award," Blauwet says. "I believe in the important and essential voice of women at every table, in every profession, in every sporting arena.

"We need to continue to mentor young women to become involved as athletes, coaches, sport managers, and even sports medicine doctors! Women with impairments are central to the Paralympic Movement and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community."

Federations Join Fight for Parity

The International Equestrian Federation and World Rugby throw their weight behind the quest for greater gender equality in sport.

The FEI became one of five international sporting organizations to join the Geneva-based International Gender Champions Network with a pledge signed by FEI president Ingmar De Vos on March 8.

The IOC, World Archery, International Hockey Federation and International University Sports Federation are the other four organizations to have signed the pledge confirming a "commitment to work towards gender parity in their organizations".

Equestrian is one of the few Olympic sports that has complete gender parity for its competitors.

"Strict parity between men and women is at the heart of equestrian sport where male and female athletes compete as equals at all levels", De Vos said. "The FEI is proud to champion the many female athletes, officials, trainers, veterinarians, grooms, administrators, and staff who are a vital part of our diverse multicultural community."

Also in conjunction with International Women’s Day and the search for gender equity, the FEI will now offer male employees a one-month paid paternity leave and strive to increase female membership in FEI Committees.

In its recognition of International Women’s Day, World Rugby has provided a new vision to grow women’s rugby across the globe.

The eight-year plan aims to foster an already growing player base of 2.2 million women that comprises nearly 25 percent of the international rugby playing population.

The federation will begin a consultation process with players, fans, unions, regional associations and commercial and broadcast partners to determine the needs of all relevant stakeholders. The plan includes creating a more inclusive governance structure and increasing participation through sustainable development among other initiatives.

"A strong game needs strong female participation and in order to achieve that, we must be bold for change and ensure that we are delivering opportunities in the playground, the podium and the boardroom to build a relevant, fun, exciting and sustainable game," said World Rugby General Manager Katie Sadleir.

The upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland from Aug. 9-26 is also likely to bolster aims at growing the women’s game.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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