Equitas and Women in Sport Week: Advancing Equality Through Sport
At Equitas, we are dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, and equality through transformative education and advocacy. Our core values—equality and non-discrimination, meaningful participation, accountability, mutual respect and trust, equitable partnership, and innovation—serve as guiding principles in all our initiatives. As we recognise Women in Sport Week (March 3rd–9th, 2025), we celebrate the alignment of our values with the event’s mission to elevate the role of women and girls in sport, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate, lead, and thrive.
The Importance of Women in Sport
Sport is a powerful tool for social change, offering a unique platform to challenge gender norms, empower individuals, and foster inclusivity. Despite significant progress, women and girls still face barriers in sports, including lack of representation, unequal access to resources, and cultural biases. By supporting Women in Sport Week, we aim to contribute to the ongoing efforts to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.
Aligning Equitas’ Values with Women in Sport Week
Each day of Women in Sport Week highlights a key theme that aligns with our mission at Equitas. Through these themes, we can reinforce our commitment to advancing equality in sport and beyond.
Monday, March 3rd – Visibility
Women’s achievements in sport often go unrecognised or receive less media coverage than their male counterparts. Visibility is crucial for challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations. At Equitas, we advocate for equal representation in all sectors, ensuring women’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. By amplifying the voices of female athletes, coaches, and leaders, we support a more balanced and fair portrayal of women in sport.
Tuesday, March 4th – Coaching
The presence of female coaches is vital for fostering an inclusive sporting culture. Women in coaching roles provide mentorship, leadership, and inspiration for young athletes. Equitas champions meaningful participation by advocating for programmes that develop and support women in coaching positions. We encourage sports organisations to implement equitable hiring practices and provide resources that empower women to lead in coaching roles.
Wednesday, March 5th – Her Moves – Teenage Girl Participation
Participation in sports during adolescence has a lasting impact on confidence, leadership skills, and overall well-being. However, teenage girls often drop out of sports at a higher rate than boys due to societal pressures, lack of opportunities, or inadequate support systems. Equitas supports initiatives that foster an environment where teenage girls feel encouraged and empowered to participate in sports, recognising the importance of mutual respect and trust in creating safe and welcoming spaces.
Thursday, March 6th – Officiating
Women remain underrepresented in officiating roles, facing challenges such as bias, discrimination, and limited advancement opportunities. Equitas promotes accountability and equitable partnerships by advocating for policies that ensure women have equal access to officiating pathways. By increasing female representation in refereeing and officiating roles, we contribute to a fairer and more diverse sports landscape.
Friday, March 7th – Leadership & Governance
Leadership in sports governance has long been male-dominated, but progress is being made to diversify decision-making bodies. Equitas upholds accountability by calling for greater representation of women in leadership roles within sports organisations. Encouraging women to take on executive and governance positions strengthens the overall integrity of sports institutions and ensures policies reflect the diverse needs of all athletes.
Saturday, March 8th – International Women's Day & WIS parkrun
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements across all sectors, including sports. By participating in WIS parkrun events and other activities, we reinforce our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Equitas recognises this as a day to not only celebrate progress but also to reflect on the work that remains in achieving true equality in sports and society.
Sunday, March 9th – Active Participation
Encouraging active participation in sports is at the heart of our mission. Equitas believes that everyone, regardless of gender, should have access to sports and physical activity. By breaking down barriers and advocating for inclusive policies, we ensure that women and girls can fully engage in sports at all levels—from grassroots to professional competition.
Moving Forward: Equitas’ Commitment to Gender Equality in Sport
While Women in Sport Week is an important moment to recognise progress, it also serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality in sports is ongoing. Equitas remains committed to working alongside sports organisations, policymakers, and communities to advocate for inclusive policies, equitable funding, and representation in all aspects of sport.
By embracing the principles of Women in Sport Week, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive society where every individual—regardless of gender—can realise their full potential. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can break down barriers and ensure that sport serves as a force for equality, empowerment, and social justice.
As we celebrate this week, we invite you to join us in supporting women and girls in sport, recognising their achievements, and advocating for a more equitable future in athletics and beyond.
