What We Can Learn from Global Movements in Women’s Sports

The world is witnessing a remarkable surge in the visibility, participation, and influence of women in sports. As WINS Lebanon charts a path forward to empower female athletes in our country, there’s value in looking outward to global pioneers who have driven change, broken systemic barriers, and elevated women’s sport on a national and international scale.

Women’s Sport Trust (UK)

What they aim to do:

Women’s Sport Trust is a UK-based charity founded in 2012, that works to raise the visibility and increase the impact of women’s sport. Their goal is to make women’s sport impossible to ignore by working with media, brands, and athletes to drive long-term cultural change.

How they do it:

• Campaigns: Run high-profile campaigns to showcase female athletes and encourage brands to invest in women’s sports

• Research: Provide data-driven insights, such as demonstrating that sponsorships in women’s sport now reach over half of UK adults

• Collaboration: Work with athletes, media, brands, and governing bodies to create systemic change

  
  

Women’s Sports Foundation (USA)

What they aim to do:

Launched by tennis legend Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) is an organization whose goal is to promote gender equity in sport. Their mission is to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life.

How they do it:

Funding: Invested over $100Mn in programs supporting female athletes through grants and scholarships

Research: Publish annual reports on participation trends and gender gaps

Advocacy: Play a pivotal role in advancing Title IX and defending equal opportunity in schools and universities

Mentorship: Launch initiatives like Sports 4 Life that connect girls with mentors from diverse backgrounds

Women Sport Australia (AUS)

What they aim to do:

Women Sport Australia (WSA) is Australia’s national advocacy body for women in sport. Their mission is to influence systemic change to create an equitable and inclusive sporting landscape for all women and girls.

How they do it:

• Advocacy: Engage with government bodies and national sporting organizations to influence policy and funding decisions

• Campaigns: Lead national initiatives to promote visibility, inclusion, and representation

• Media & Visibility: Host the annual Women in Sport Photo Action Awards (WISPAA) to boost visual representation of women athletes

• Thought Leadership: Publish position statements and open letters on key issues, from equal pay to inclusive facilities and coaching pathways

  
  

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What Global Movements Have Taught Us

• Visibility and representation are essential: Consistent media exposure and campaigns drive investment, respect, and cultural change

• Early access and long-term support matter: Starting young and sustaining support over time builds confidence, participation, and leadership pathways for girls and women

• Data creates momentum for change: Research holds stakeholders accountable and helps track progress, guiding more informed decisions

• Collaboration fuels systemic change: Cross-sector partnerships and persistent advocacy are crucial to drive reform in women’s sport