On April 19, 2024, more than 50 participants gathered for an online round table on Women’s Involvement in Management and Key Decision-Making Positions within Sports Organizations. This event, held within the framework of the Erasmus+ Sport project Women4Sport, was co-financed by the European Union and organized by the Verlab Institute from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was supported by project partners, including the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, and Slovenia, alongside the Sarajevo-based organization BRAVO. The round table aimed to address the pressing need to empower women in leadership roles within sports organizations, providing a platform for discussion, experience-sharing, and strategic planning.

Key topics discussed

The participants explored several crucial topics, starting with an overview of women’s involvement in management and key decision-making positions within sports organizations globally. This segment highlighted the current status, identifying progress and persisting gender disparities in leadership roles.

Representatives from the participating National Olympic Committees shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in promoting women’s involvement in management positions. These insights offered valuable perspectives on effective strategies and underscored the importance of national and regional collaboration.

The discussion also delved into common challenges faced by women in sports management positions in Western Balkan countries. Participants identified systemic barriers, such as cultural biases, limited opportunities for professional development, and a lack of mentorship programs tailored to women in sports.

Proposal for regional collaboration

The round table concluded with a proposal to establish the NOCWB Network, a collaborative platform involving the National Olympic Committees of the Western Balkans. The proposed network aims to:

• Promote gender equity in sports management through advocacy and awareness campaigns,
• Develop mentorship and training programs for emerging female leaders, and
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and joint initiatives across the region.

Participants expressed optimism about the Network’s potential to drive meaningful change, emphasizing its alignment with the objectives of the Women4Sport project.

The event ended on a positive note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to the successful implementation of the Women4Sport project and its long-term impact. This round table served as a stepping stone towards creating a more inclusive environment in sports management, where women can thrive as leaders and decision-makers.