Highlights
New GO CEO
The Board of the Global Observatory is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lombe Mwambwa, as CEO of the GO effective 1 June 2025.
Conference 2025 - Connecting for Change
Register here
The registration for the 2025 GO Gender Equality and Sport+ Conference is open.
New Observer Board Members
Governance
The GO is pleased to welcome two new Observer Board members from major partner institutions, UNESCO and OHCHR.
New Good Practice Story
Out in Singapore
This Pride Month the GO is thrilled to share the lastest addition to our Good Practice Stories collection, Beyond Bars and Binaries: Redefining Masculinity and Community Through Sport. Now available.
Prof. Elizabeth Pike Wins the 2024 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Global Award
The Global Observatory extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Elizabeth Pike, IWG Research Lead, who has been honoured with the IOC Global Award for Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (GO) is a global convenor and repository of research and expertise on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in and through physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS).
Building on the existing gender and sport movements across the world, we are dedicated to closing knowledge gaps and enabling actors to overcome global and systemic inequalities and inequities to advance the rights, health and empowerment of girls and women in all their diversity in and through PEPAS.
Established in July 2021 under UNESCO’s auspices and with the support of the Swiss Confederation, the GO is an initiative originated from UNESCO’s 4th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS IV) in Athens, Greece, in 2003. The commitment to the GO was reinforced by the 2017 Kazan Action Plan (KAP) at MINEPS VI, in Kazan, Russia and further reaffirmed at MINEPS VII in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2023, with support from over 100 member states.
We need tangible data that can help with policy making and help the many poeple fighting for gender equality. Any change will meet constraints, but you don’t have to give up. We should collaborate with stakeholders; help align their interests and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal.
Felicite Rwemarika – President, Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport
Do you want to join our global network, collaborate with us or contribute data, publications, and expertise?
What does the Global Observatory aim to do?
The Global Observatory is committed to tackling the complex, systemic and intersecting inequalities encountered by women and girls in both sports and society.
Aligned with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda, the Observatory primarily focuses on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and especially Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Simultaneously we also contribute to:
Registration is open for the GO 2025 Annual Conference
Please find all the relevant information here and register now for this year`s annual Gender Equality and Sport+ Conference: Connecting for Change.
The programme is available here.
See you on 29-30 September 2025, in Lausanne – Switzerland
Research & Policy News
IOC Gender Equality and Inclusion Report 2024
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just released the Gender Equality and Inclusion Report 2024, providing an in-depth overview of progress made as well as th persistent gaps, in advancing...
New Research: Sexual & GBV against Women in Sport in East Africa
The Graduate School of Media and Communications of Aga Khan University has launched the East African Gender Data and Policy Report 2024. Report which offers a comprehensive overview of key gender...
African Union adopts Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
The African Union (AU) has officially adopted the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, marking a historical advancement in the protection of women and girl's rights across the...
Women in sport reports, research & expertise
Victoria University has just released their quarterly update (March-May 2025) on global industry reports and academic publications on women in sport. Eight themes filled with new learnings inc....
Launch of the International Safeguards for Children in Esports
The GO is pleased to share that our partner, Safe Sport International (SSI) has launched a new International Safeguards for Children in Esports framework, marking a major step forward. Indeed, this...
Good Practice Stories
Have a quick read of stories from all across the world that collates qualitative case studies and research that captures the experiences of diverse stakeholders.
Beyond Bars and Binaries: Redefining Masculinity and Community Through Sport
Rising from the ashes: Afghan women’s fight for equality through sports
