IOC and UN Women introduce new initiative for gender equality

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UN Women have launched a project called the Gender Equality Through Sport Bridging Project. The project intends to eliminate gender-based violence. The unveiling of the initiative took place at the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). This was held at the UN headquarters in New York. Lydia Nsekera, the chair of the Gender Equality and Diversity Commission, explained that the project’s objective is to support sports and community development organizations and policymakers across three continents in addressing gender equality and gender-based violence through sport-based programs.

What is the Gender Equality Project about?

The success of the One Win Leads to Another (OWLA) has inspired the Gender Equality Through Sport Bridging Project. The initiative used sports to reduce violence against women in Brazil and Argentina during the Rio 2016 Olympics and the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympics. The IOC and UN will launch a year-long knowledge transfer program to transmit OWLA’s information to the bridging project. The IOC’s Olympism365 will be working to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization is currently developing ways to prevent athletes from harassment or abuse as part of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 strategic roadmap.

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Who all were a part of the occasion?

The CSW brought together 300 leaders from around the world. This was in order to discuss innovative program models and ways to advocate gender equality. Prominent experts, such as Ana Moser, former volleyball player, Olympian, and the first female Sports Minister of Brazil, Ambassador Isabelle Picco, and former UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, were in attendance.

During the event, UN Women’s director of policy, program, and intergovernmental division, Sarah Hendrick, discussed the framework of the project. She emphasized the importance of meaningful intergenerational engagement with people of all genders, races, and abilities so that girls in 2023 can become thriving young women in 2030. Hendrick highlighted the significance of sports in empowering girls and providing opportunities to eliminate gender-based discrimination. She also added that no other field is as powerful as a sport in influencing the next generation.

The Gender Equality Through Sport Bridging Project is part of the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and eliminate gender-based violence in sports. IOC’s female members have increased from 21% in 2013 to 40% this year, indicating that progress is being made. With initiatives like the Gender Equality Through Sport Bridging Project, the IOC and UN Women hope to continue to promote gender equality in sports and create a better future for girls around the world.

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