The International Athletics Federation is showing off its chest. On the occasion of International Women's Day, Saturday 8 March, World Athletics boasted of having achieved 50% female representation on its Council in 2023. “All World Athletics bodies – including commissions, committees and working groups – now have at least 40% female representation (up from 15% in 2016)”, the authority welcomes. To go further, the work group on gender leadership has set its goals for the next three years. At the top of the list, increasing gender equity among administrators, judges and coaches. As proof, the highest level of World Athletics refereeing certification is awarded to 152 technical officials, of which only 27% are women.The working group also aims to strengthen governance frameworks, and continue to raise awareness and promote equality through dedicated campaigns and programmes.
"I am extremely proud of the work accomplished by World Athletics and the taskforce over the past eight years, comments its president Sebastian Coe. Athletics has achieved gender parity in elite participation on the field, but we want this to be reflected off it, giving women and girls equal opportunities in leadership and decision-making roles. It is essential that we continue to strengthen, develop and support an environment for women to be leaders.” Stephanie Hightower, chair of the task force, hopes « changing mentalities and bring lasting change for women and girls in our sport” en “joining forces with leaders and organizations with expertise in this area”.
