Behind the Women in Sport Lebanon Movement

Lebanon has no shortage of talent. From swimming pools and football pitches to basketball courts and track fields, young women across the country are competing, training, and striving for greatness. Yet for far too long, their stories have gone unheard, their efforts undervalued, and their achievements overshadowed. This lived experience led to the birth of WINS Lebanon.

WINS stands for Women in Sport, and WINS Lebanon is a movement dedicated to empowering Lebanon’s female athletes through recognition, access, and support. Our aim is simple but urgent: to ensure that Lebanese female athletes have the opportunity to thrive “on and off the field”

The Gap We Couldn't Ignore

Lebanese female athletes face barriers at every level of their journey. While there are success stories, they often happen despite the system, not because of it.

This disparity isn’t unique to Lebanon and it remains a global issue. According to a 2023 Council of Europe report on gender gaps in sport, women and girls represent only 39% of all participants in organized sport, and just 29% of decision-making roles in sport organizations across Europe are held by women. Despite gradual progress, media coverage of women’s sports remains below 10% globally, and funding disparities continue to limit engagement and opportunity (Council of Europe, 2023).

As a result, WINS Lebanon was born out of a desire to change this reality. We believe that empowering female athletes is more than just equity in sport, it's about national pride, social progress, and generational opportunity.

Why Now?

Because we can't wait any longer.

Globally, women's sports are experiencing unprecedented growth in viewership, investment, and cultural impact. According to a 2025 Forbes report, women's sports generated over $1.28 billion in revenue in 2024, a figure expected to at least double by 2027. Sponsorship deals grew by 22% year-over-year. Major broadcasters are also stepping up, with women’s sporting events now drawing record-breaking audiences around the world (Forbes, 2025). This global momentum presents an opportunity for countries like Lebanon to rise with the tide and ensure our female athletes are not left behind.

We are at a moment of opportunity in Lebanon. There is rising momentum for youth-led change. And there is a generation of female athletes who are hungry to lead.

WINS Lebanon is not just about fixing problems. It’s about reimagining what Lebanese sport can be when women are fully included, fully valued, and fully supported.

How You Can Join Us

We are just getting started, and this is where you come in. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a policymaker, a journalist, or simply someone who believes in equal opportunity, you can help us build this movement.

Here’s how:

• Follow us on social media and share our stories

• Volunteer your time or expertise by reaching out to us

• Introduce us to someone in your network who might care

• Partner with us for programs or events