Acting together for Equality: The Finnish NOC prepares together with other Finnish sports organisations for IWG 2026
On May 8, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, a diverse group of Finnish stakeholders gathered to advance gender equality in sport. Among the organizers was Tarja Krum, Chair of ENGSO Equality Within Sport (EWS), who introduced the work of the International Working Group on Women & Sport (IWG) and presented the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration as a practical framework for sustainable progress.
The event is part of a broader national development initiative led by ENGSO member the Finnish Olympic Committee, Finlands Svenska Idrott (the Swedish-speaking sports organization in Finland), the Finnish Paralympic Committee, Finnish Workers’ Sports Association TUL, the Finnish Coaches Association, the Ministry of Education and Culture, and the University of Jyväskylä.
This process is a shared journey among Finnish stakeholder’s towards IWG 2026. Its aim is to build an updated picture of gender equality in Finnish sport, identify the most pressing areas for development, evaluate progress on the principles of the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, and support Finland’s participation in the international conference. The effort is rooted in a common understanding and a shared direction.
Krum underlined that the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration is not only symbolic—it is a strategic tool for transforming structures, attitudes, and practices across the sport system. Its ten principles cover key areas such as leadership, education, resource distribution, media visibility, and the prevention of harassment and abuse.
ENGSO’s Honorary President, Birgitta Kervinen, was also present and contributed, highlighting a political perspective grounded in decades of leadership. She emphasized that the system does not currently support the advancement of women’s sport and called for greater visibility and commitment from decision-makers and government actors. “You have to be heard, you have to be seen,” Kervinen said, also reminding participants of the power of collaboration: “We do not compete against each other – we act together”.
The event concluded with a shared recognition that this is just the beginning. Continued collaboration, concrete follow-up, and strong leadership will be essential. The next roundtable will take place in June and welcome all Finnish stakeholders committed to a more equal future in sport.
Are you interested to learn more about IWG and the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration?
Check the recording of EWS last online seminar “Advancing gender equality in sport – insights from signatories of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration”