ENGSO Vice-President Filipa Godinho (Portuguese Sport Confederation) welcomed participants and speakers Mirjana Ivkovic (NOC Serbia and ENGSO Youth), Sandro Araújo (Portuguese Cycling Federation and Portugal Paralympic Committee) and Erik van Haaren (NOC*NSF and ENGSO Youth Vice-Chair). 

After a presentation of the ENGSO Position Paper on Gender Equality, EWS Vice-Chair Tarja Krum (Finlands Svenska Idrott) led the discussion.

“If we want a society that is inclusive, productive and resilient, we have no other way than to ensure gender equality.” Erik van Haaren

Erik van Haaren believes sport can do better and lead the change that would echo in the rest of society. He referred to the “one big desk of equality” and the necessity to consider intersectionality when developing gender equality policies, distancing itself from the “one size fits all” solutions. 

Mirjana Ivkovic gave an interesting example of a Serbian program to empower female refugees, which was successful thanks to the support of male allies and Serbian female role models to boost participation. She highlighted the cultural differences existing across Europe and within countries, and the importance of monitoring the changes on the field with short and long term goals. 

“We need to be humble.” Sandro Araújo

Sandro Araújo reminded participants of the bumps along the way and the need not only to bring change, but also to consolidate it, being aware of the backclashes. He insisted on having a holistic approach and cultural understanding when drafting gender equality policies in sport.

The speakers considered the ENGSO Position Paper on Gender Equality have a positive tone and not “fall in the trap of imposing one way”. (Sandro Araújo). It was unanimously referred to as a good tool to initiate local or national policies and initiatives. Before leaving the seminar, participants of the online seminar shared one word that qualified the event and the next actions they could take in their organisation to improve gender equality.