World Rowing Signs IWG’s Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration

The International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport is pleased to announce World Rowing has signed the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, becoming the latest International Federation to signify their commitment to gender equality.

The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration was created in 1994 and consists of 10 Principles which form an international treaty to support organisations in developing a culture that enables and values women within sport.

The Declaration was signed by Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, and Annamarie Phelps, Chair of IWG and President of European Rowing, during the 2024 World Rowing Cup II in Lucerne, Switzerland, complementing the extensive strategy which is being implemented by the federation’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Cross Commission.

As per its Strategic Plan, World Rowing strongly believes that gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the sport of Rowing is fundamental in building a sustainable future for the sport. World Rowing is committed to gender equality, diversity and inclusion and does not tolerate any form of discrimination. World Rowing seeks to ensure fairness and equality of opportunity, embraces differences and endeavours to make rowing a sport which is accessible to all, whether as a rower, coach, official, volunteer or member of staff, and regardless of race, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin, language, religion or belief, nationality, age, marriage or civil partnership status, maternity or parental status, socio-economic status, skill level, political or other opinion.

Established in 2021, World Rowing’s GEDI plan covers Governance, Development, Events and Communications and is underpinned by a clear action plan to monitor and evaluate progress, with encouragement for member federations to implement similar structures.

Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG, said: “It’s fantastic that World Rowing has become the latest signatory to the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration. Having been involved with rowing throughout my sports career, from athlete through to my current role as President of European Rowing, I have seen first-hand the commitment of the Federation and the positive impact the GEDI strategy has had on the experiences of rowing for women and girls across the sport. It was a pleasure to sign the Declaration today on behalf of the IWG, and we are looking forward to working with World Rowing to help share their strategy and action plans, and amplify their successes, to help other organisations who want to make a change.”

Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, said: “This signature is a recognition for what World Rowing has been doing over the years in terms of Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We are very proud for what was accomplished, from the Gender balance that has been reached in our Executive Committee and Council, but also at athlete-level, with a gender-equal program at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There’s still room for improvement, and signing this declaration is definitely another step in the right direction.”