Highlights
GO Directory is Online
GO Knowledge Institutions and Initiatives (KII) Directory focuses on KIIs that work on themes of violence, gender based violence, violence against women and girls, safeguarding and protection and related topics within the context of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport (PEPAS).
New Good Practice Story
WLOT – GOAL
The lastest addition to our GPS collection, Rising from the ashes: Afghan women’s fight for equality through sports, is now available.
New Observer Board Members
Governance
The GO is pleased to welcome two new Observer Board members from major partner institutions, UNESCO and OHCHR.
Conference 2025 - Connecting for Change
Register here
The registration for the 2025 GO Gender Equality and Sport+ Conference is open.
Call to Action
This Call to Action builds on the recommendations outlined in the UNESCO-UN Women Handbook on Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport. Read more.
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 Releases New Guide on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Sport
On 2 April 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched the very first edition of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in National Olympic Committees (NOC) Good Practices. This...
Loughborough University launch – Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub
The GO is thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Women in Sport and Innovation project by our partners at Loughborough University, a key member of our Advisory Council and long-time collaborator...
The Ibero-American Sports Council (CID) – General Assembly
On April 25, 2025, the CID will bring together representatives from 22 Ibero-American countries in Washington, D.C., for its thirtieth General Assembly. This high-level gathering will focus on...
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.
Rising from the ashes: Afghan women’s fight for equality through sports
Breaking Barriers: Educating and Empowering Women and Girls Through the Transformative Power of Sports
