Two international opportunities to promote gender equality and women’s leadership in sport
ACOLOP highlights two unique opportunities organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through the programme Olympic Values, which aim to support the advancement of gender equality and the development of women’s leadership in world sport. These are the IWG Global Summit on Gender Equality in Sport and the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) — two complementary initiatives that reinforce the commitment to a more inclusive and equitable sporting community.
IWG Global Summit on Gender Equality in Sport
From 9–11 July 2026, the town of Birmingham (United Kingdom) will host the IWG Global Summit on Gender Equality in Sport, the world’s largest event dedicated to gender equality in sport. The event will bring together leaders, decision-makers, researchers, athletes and professionals from all regions of the world, providing a forum for sharing, learning and cooperation.
The programme includes conferences, workshops, regional forums, scientific presentations and networking opportunities, focusing on five key areas: leadership, investment, participation, visibility and innovation. The main language of the event will be English, with an interpretation available in French and Spanish.
Olympic Solidarity Grants
The IOC, through the Olympic Solidarity, offers a limited number of grants for National Olympic Committees (NOCs), with priority given to low- and middle-income countries and territories. The grants cover the cost of flights, local transport, accommodation, visas and conference registration.
The selected CONs must also take part in a six-month online mentoring programme — three months before and three months after the event — to translate the knowledge gained into concrete actions in the field of gender equality.
The Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026 through the National Olympic Committees.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be taken into account.
Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA)
A Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) returns in 2026 as a unique opportunity for personal and professional development for women leaders in sport. This intensive residential programme, organised by the University of Chichester (United Kingdom) in partnership with the Leading Edge, will take place from 23 to 28 August 2026 on the campus of Bishop Otter.
Over the course of a week, participants will have access to interactive workshops, reflection sessions, personal planning activities and peer support, in a multicultural and collaborative environment. Since its establishment in 2014, WSLA has trained more than 490 women from 85 countries, thereby strengthening the presence of women in leadership roles in sport around the world.
Olympic Solidarity Grants
The IOC, through the programme Olympic Values – Education and Training Scholarships, offers financial support for CONs wishing to nominate female candidates. The scholarships cover registration fees, accommodation, meals and training materials, and may also include support for travel and visa costs for participants from low- and middle-income countries.
The Applications for the WSLA must be submitted by 27 February 2026 directly to the University of Chichester, via the website www.wsla.co.uk or by email (wsla@chi.ac.uk).
The applications for Olympic Solidarity grants via the National Olympic Committees must also be sent by 27 February 2026.
