IWG Women & Sport
Kosovo takes a historic step for gender equality in sport – ENGSO represented as the European IWG global Executive at the signing of the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration
ENGSO EWS Chair Tarja Krum represented ENGSO and the European Global Executive of IWG at the signing of the “Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration” in Pristina, Kosovo, where 16 sport actors and educational institutions, including the Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) – came together to strengthen their commitment to gender equality in sport.
A shared promise for the future
The ceremony, organised by KOC’s Women and Sport Commission, was a truly historic milestone in Europe. Many organisations and institutions — from the National Olympic Committee of Kosovo (KOC), national federations and universities, to equality agencies, and the Paralympic and Special Olympics movements — have come together to sign the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration.
In her speech, Tarja Krum, Chair of the ENGSO Equality Within Sport Committee (EWS), underlined that the signing was not just symbolic, but a step towards real action:
“By signing the Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, we are not only keeping a promise for the future — we are turning words into action. What is happening here in Kosovo today is a historic milestone for equality in Europe,” said Krum.
She highlighted that the wide participation of diverse organisations embodies ENGSO’s vision of inclusion and intersectionality:
“It is truly inspiring to see so many different organisations gathered — from Olympic and Paralympic movements to universities and equality agencies. Together, you represent the intersectionality that lies at the heart of ENGSO’s work. True equality means recognising the diversity among women and girls and ensuring that every voice is heard.”
European cooperation in motion
The Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration is an international commitment encouraging governments, sports organisations, and institutions to systematically promote gender equality across all areas of sport.
Annamarie Phelps, Chair of the IWG Global Executive, emphasised the accelerating growth of women’s sport and its increasing global influence:
“It is now time to make sport something normal for girls, and to make inclusive decisions that reflect their needs and ambitions. Revenues from women’s sport have already surpassed expectations — growth is accelerating faster than anyone predicted.”
She also noted that 4 billion women worldwide now control over $31.8 trillion in discretionary spending, underscoring the powerful potential of women’s sport to shape the global future.
Kosovo as an inspiring example
KOC President Ismet Krasniqi described the declaration as a landmark moment for the Olympic movement and for Kosovo as a nation:
“This is an important moment for the Olympic movement and for Kosovan sport. With this act, we reaffirm our pledge to build an inclusive, fair, and equal sporting system for everyone. Gender equality is not just a moral principle — it is essential for the development of sport.”
Kosovo’s sporting success is already driven by women. Olympic gold medallists Majlinda Kelmendi, Nora Gjakova, and Distria Krasniqi have made history and inspired generations.
Speaking at the event, Olympic champion Nora Gjakova, who signed the declaration on behalf of the Kosovo Judo Federation, shared a personal reflection:
“I am deeply honoured to be here, surrounded by people who share the same vision and passion for the future of women’s sport. Judo has been my life for more than 20 years, and through hard work, dedication, and support, I reached the top of the Olympic podium.”
Gjakova and fellow athletes were recognised as “Ambassadors for Women’s Sport” for their contributions to promoting equality.
Signatories of the declaration
Kosovo Olympic Committee • Kosovo Paralympic Committee • Kosovo Judo Federation • Kosovo Volleyball Federation • Kosovo Basketball Federation • Kosovo Karate Federation • Kosovo Boxing Federation • Kosovo Wrestling Federation • Kosovo Autosport Federation • Kosovo Rugby Federation • Women Football Club Prishtina • Agency for Gender Equality – Office of the Prime Minister • Special Olympics Kosovo • Center for Gender Studies • Faculty of Physical Education and Sport • UBT College
Together, these organisations represent a broad coalition across sport, education, and equality, a living example of how intersectionality and collaboration can drive real change.
ENGSO also expresses its appreciation to the NOC Kosovo Gender Equality and Diversity Commission for bringing partners together for this milestone event, and to Rejhan Halili, member of the ENGSO Equality Within Sport Committee, whose dedication has inspired organisations and institutions — both within and beyond sport — to turn this promise into reality.
Looking ahead
In closing, Tarja Krum encouraged continued cooperation and solidarity across Europe:
“This signing is not the end. It’s the beginning of new collaborations, new voices, and new projects. Together, we are not only promising equality. We are delivering it.”