Women and Sport
From Brighton to Windhoek
Facing the Challenge
Foreword
This Report provides a record of positive action by international and national organisations around the world in support of the International Women and Sport Movement during the period May 1994 to May 1998. It highlights the significant progress that has been made to develop a sporting culture that enables and values the full involvement of women in every aspect of sport across a very diverse range of organisations and countries.
The report has been prepared by RQA Ltd on behalf of the United Kingdom Sports Council, who since 1994 have provided the secretariat to the International Working Group on Women and Sport. It recognises and pays tribute to those who have taken responsibility for making something happen for women’s sport, which for some individuals has required significant courage when faced with established traditions, entrenched views and strong opposition.
Between 1994 and 1998 over 200 organisations throughout the world, from international government fora to national non-governmental women’s groups and sporting federations from Albania to Zimbabwe, have faced the Challenge of Change and adopted the Brighton Declaration on Women and Sport, a positive statement of principles on women and sport.
Because of the actions taken by so many individuals and organisations the world of sport is slowly, but positively, moving in a more equitable direction. Women are now on more sporting agendas than ever before and the enormous contribution that sport makes to the wider women’s agenda has also begun to be recognised. As this swell of change picks up momentum sound lessons can be learnt and inspiration sought, to face even the hardest of challenges, from that which others have already achieved. Often one individual being prepared to take a single small action is the catalyst for substantial change.
This Report is divided into four main sections, plus Appendices. Section One introduces the reader to the background and context of the report, starting with the First World Conference on Women and Sport held in Brighton in 1994 and the international strategy and Declaration that came out of that conference. Section Two identifies examples of good practice between 1994 and 1998 where the principles of the Brighton Declaration have been adopted and positive action has been taken.
Section Three provides an A-Z of World Action taken across the world by international, national and regional organisations. Section Four considers the challenge that lies ahead and focuses on the next few years and the implementation of the Windhoek Call for Action. It recognises that whilst the achievements to date are important, there is still much more to be done.
The Appendices provide full supporting information, including the full list of organisations that are known to have adopted the Brighton Declaration.
It should be noted that this report represents what we know about progress in the Women and Sport Movement at this moment in time. If there are any inaccuracies or omissions in the text please notify the International Working Group on Women and Sport who will update their records accordingly.
The information used has come from that reported to the International Working Group by individuals or organisations in correspondence, on progress sheets between 1994 and 1998 or at the Second World Conference on Women and Sport held in Namibia in May 1998. In many instances within this Report we have only been able to make brief reference to some countries, individuals or organisations. Whilst we have sought to acknowledge each example known to the International Working Group, we recognise that many more people whose actions are not recorded here will have simply got on with implementing change.
On behalf of the International Working Group on Women and Sport I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this Report and congratulate all those who have taken positive steps towards establishing a more equitable sporting culture for women and girls in and through sport.
We hope that this Report will become a practical resource to encourage further change.
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