World Rowing celebrates International Women's Day 2024

To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, World Rowing is proud to spotlight the remarkable progress and ongoing commitment to gender equality within the sport. Under the global theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” World Rowing celebrates the strides made while acknowledging the work still ahead.

In the world of Rowing, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle. With 50% female representation on the Executive Committee, 34% on commissions, and 7 out of 13 commission chairs being women, World Rowing is setting a standard for gender diversity in sports governance. Additionally, the 31% female delegate attendance at the 2023 World Rowing Congress underscores the global Rowing membership commitment to women’s participation in decision-making processes.

World Rowing’s investment in developing women’s participation extends beyond representation to encompass athletes, coaches, technical officials, and leaders. Athletes, irrespective of gender, compete in the same sport classes, embodying the spirit of inclusivity on the field of play.

The commitment to developing capacity and representation of female coaches is evident through initiatives like the Women in Sports High-Performance Pathway (WISH) program. Over the past four years, 13 candidates have participated in this programme, receiving specialised training and mentorship to excel in coaching roles.

In October 2023, World Rowing launched the WIL – Women in Leadership programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women in rowing administration, management, and governance. This Leadership Academy, born out of recommendations from the World Rowing Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Commission, provides tailored training and support to women leaders, equipping them with the tools and confidence to realise their full potential.

This leadership programme, complemented by partnerships with the Females Achieving Brilliance (FAB) and the IOC Olympic Solidarity Sport Administration and Management Coursework, represents a holistic approach to fostering female leadership in rowing. By providing access to educational resources and mentorship opportunities, World Rowing is cultivating a new generation of empowered women leaders who will shape the future of the sport.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reflect on the progress made and recommit to the journey ahead. By inspiring inclusion and empowering women at every level, World Rowing and its Member Federations are not only creating a more diverse and equitable sport but also contributing to a better world for all.

More information on the Work of the GEDI Cross Commission can be found here:  Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) – World Rowing