Hybrid Syposium

Hybrid symposium highlights women’s representation in sports leadership in the Western Balkans

On June 13, 2024, a hybrid symposium was held at the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina and online, as part of the Erasmus+ Sport project Women4Sport. Co-financed by the European Union, the event was organized by the Verlab Institute in Sarajevo in collaboration with the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

Bringing together around 50 participants, the symposium presented the results of a baseline study and current state analysis of women’s involvement in decision-making positions within NOCs and their associated sports federations. This critical research shed light on shared challenges faced by the participating countries and explored the underlying reasons behind the persistent lack of data on this important topic.

The study revealed significant barriers preventing women from accessing leadership roles in sports organizations. These included cultural and structural obstacles, limited opportunities for professional development, and insufficient mentorship initiatives. A particular emphasis was placed on the lack of systematic data collection, which has hindered the understanding of the scope of the issue and slowed progress toward gender equity.

To address these challenges, the symposium highlighted the development of an innovative e-Platform, a key deliverable of the Women4Sport project. This platform is envisioned as a hub for:

  • Networking opportunities for women aspiring to leadership roles,
  • Training and educational resources tailored to their needs, and
  • Mentorship programs to guide young women in advancing their careers toward managerial and decision-making positions in sports organizations.

Participants expressed optimism about the potential impact of the e-Platform, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration and capacity-building across the region. By addressing systemic barriers and equipping women with the tools and support needed for success, the Women4Sport initiative aims to drive sustainable change in sports management.

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