The Global Observatory Advisory Council 

The Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport Advisory Council is established to serve as a consultative body to foster collaboration among stakeholders promoting the mission of the GO. Advisory Council membership is open to academic institutions, sport associations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporate entities around the world therefore bringing diversity, credibility, visibility and universality to the GO. Its members enrich the GO strategic direction, advise on key initiatives, contribute to, participate in, or sponsor the work of think tanks, expert groups, research and publications, and specific programs.  

Objectives

The GO Advisory Council members will contribute: 

  • Strategic Guidance: Provide expert advice on advancing gender equality in sports. 
  • Collaboration Facilitation: Promote partnerships between sectors to support GO’s initiatives. 
  • Consultation on Key Services: Advise on services GO should offer to its members and the broader sports community. 
  • Thought Leadership: Lead dialogue on emerging challenges in gender equality within sports. 
  • Resource Sharing: Encourage the exchange of research, best practices, and case studies. 
  • Strategic Communications: Promote the visibility and agenda of the Global Observatory and the thematic of gender equality and sport across sectors and networks. 

The Advisory Council will play a vital role in shaping the future of the GO`s contribution to gender equality in sport and ensuring a mission that is informed by a diversity of stakeholders.

We invite committed actors from academia, sports, government, NGOs, and business to join us on this journey as members of the GO Advisory Council. 

Current Members of the GO Advisory Council

FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, is the world governing body for air sports and for certifying world aviation and space records. FAI was founded in 1905 and is a non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). FAI is committed to advancing gender equality in air sports by fostering inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities, and supporting initiatives that empower women and underrepresented groups, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. FAI activities include Aerobatics, Aeromodelling, Airships, Amateur-Built and Experimental Aircraft, Balloons, Drones, Gliding, Hang Gliding, Helicopters, Manpowered Flying, Microlights, Paragliding, Paramotors, Power Flying, Skydiving and all other Aeronautic activities and Space records. 

WORLD BASEBALL SOFTBALL CONFEDERATION

Headquartered in Pully, Switzerland – adjacent to Lausanne, the Olympic Capital –The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the international governing body for the sport of Baseball/Softball including all the related disciplines, with 190 National Federations and over 65 million athletes, attracting approximately 150 million fans to stadiums worldwide annually. The WBSC has been a signatory of the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration since 2017 and ensures gender balance in leadership through its Statutes and its 2022-2028 Strategic Plan. The WBSC’s Women’s Baseball Development and Diversity & Inclusivity Commissions advocate for gender equality, while Baseball5, as a fully mixed-gender discipline, breaks barriers. Through education, advocacy, and policy, the WBSC commits to fostering a more inclusive future for all in Baseball/Softball.

GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY

Griffith University is a leading university located in Queensland, Australia. Griffith is deeply committed to values of social justice, sustainability, and equity. This is reflected in its research agenda, community engagement, and inclusive policies. Griffith has a strong international reputation and is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide. It also actively collaborates with governments, industries, and international organizations on projects that address global challenges. In the realm of gender equality and sport, Griffith University has taken proactive steps to promote inclusivity and equity. The Sport and Gender Equity (SAGE) research hub at Griffith University leads innovative and impactful research aimed at advancing gender equity in sports. This multidisciplinary hub connects scholars, practitioners, athletes, and advocates to address the complexities of gender inequities and diversity, including intersections with culture, race, Indigeneity, sexuality, disability, and age. SAGE focuses on contributing to knowledge and practices that promote opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to lead in all aspects of sport. 

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

Loughborough University is a leading UK institution renowned for its excellence in sport, engineering, and research-led teaching. Located in Leicestershire, it is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally recognized for its impact in sport science and innovation. The university is home to world-class facilities and has a strong commitment to advancing gender equality in sport through research, policy, and practice. Its collaborative and inclusive approach supports students and researchers in shaping the future of sport and society. In March 2025, Loughborough launched the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, aiming to revolutionize the women’s sports ecosystem by driving research across areas such as health, technology, culture and environments.

AIESEP

Founded in 1962, AIESEP is an international, non-governmental, non-profit, professional association which aims to promote high quality research worldwide in the areas of physical education, physical activity and sport pedagogy across the lifespan. AIESEP has a multilingual and multicultural membership, comprising universities, colleges, institutions and individual members from across the globe.

SEIJO UNIVERSITY

Seijo University is located in Tokyo, Japan. Seijo’s commitment to research and community outreach is reflected in initiatives like the International Research Center for Sport and Gender Equality (SGE), which advances inclusive practices in sport both in Japan and internationally. Established in 2023, SGE serves as a pivotal research hub in Japan, focusing on the intersection of sports and gender/sexuality studies. The center aims to promote gender equality through sports by engaging in international collaborations. Additionally, SGE is involved in initiatives like the “ASEAN-Japan Actions on Sports: Gender Equality” project, which seeks to create safe and inclusive sports environments for women and girls across ASEAN countries.

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Kinesiology, part of the College of Human Sciences & Education, is dedicated to advancing the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize quality of life for all people through excellence in teaching, research, and engagement. The school emphasizes inclusive practices and evidence-based approaches, including work that promotes equality for women and men in physical activity and sport. Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary research, LSU contributes to advancing opportunities for girls and women and supportive environments for all in sport and health promotion.

UNIVERSITY SIDI MOHAMMED BEN ABDELLAH – FES

Founded in 1975 and located in the ancient city of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez is a multidisciplinary public institution and one of the oldest universities in Morocco. It currently has more than 99,000 students, supervised by 1,735 teachers and 675 technical and administrative staff, spread across eight faculties, four schools, and a sports science institute. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programs and a variety of innovative and multidisciplinary training options, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez offers academic programs tailored to all profiles and designed to equip graduates with professional skills that can be used in the workplace.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY

For more than 50 years, La Trobe University has been transforming people and societies. The University works collaboratively across disciplines and with partners to develop fresh ways of thinking and conducting research – constantly seeking new ways to engage with and better serve its partners and communities, to build relationships and develop solutions for the issues facing society. Along with holding its top 300 ranking in Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2025, La Trobe University is in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide.* Read more about La Trobe here.  

*QS Top Universities, 2025, QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities; Webometrics, 2025, Webometrics Ranking July 2025 

YORK UNIVERSITY

York University, based in Toronto, is a leading international teaching and research institution committed to driving positive global change. With over 53,100 students from 160 countries and 375,000+ alumni, York offers a diverse, inclusive community and real-world learning. Recognized globally for research and impact, York tackles urgent challenges through 350+ partnerships. Its campuses include Keele, bilingual Glendon, and the new Markham Campus in the Greater Toronto Area, plus a location in Costa Rica. With top programs in business, law, health, and a new School of Medicine opening in 2028, York empowers students to shape a better future.

The School of Kinesiology and Health Science is committed to advancing equitable physical culture and health in an unequal world with communities allied in social struggle.  Our work is decolonial, feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional in approach. We seek collective inquiry and concrete social action committed to sustainable and healthier communities. As teachers and researchers, we hold ourselves accountable to the people with whom we work and aim to broadly inspire positive social change.

The RACHEAL KUNDANANJI LEGACY FOUNDATION

The Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation works to transform lives through the power of sport, education, and leadership development. Founded to honor the legacy of Racheal Kundananji, the Foundation champions initiatives that promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and the inclusion of marginalized groups in sports and beyond. Through partnerships with communities, schools, and sports organizations, the Foundation creates pathways for young people—especially girls—to access training, mentorship, and life skills that prepare them to become leaders and changemakers. By leveraging sport as a tool for development, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more equitable and inclusive society.

SAFE SPORT INTERNATIONAL

Safe Sport International (SSI) is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding individuals in and through sport. Its mission is to advance safe, inclusive sporting environments free from violence, harassment, or abuse. SSI collaborates with sports federations and international bodies like the CSHR, IOC, The Global Observatory, CGF, FIFA, CofE, and UNESCO to drive policy change and embed safeguarding as a core practice in sport.
Through flagship events, storytelling campaigns, and its online network ‘Safe Sport Connect’, SSI empowers stakeholders with resources, training, and advocacy. Recognised as a thought leader, SSI inspires cultural change and drives international standards, ensuring sport remains a safe, respectful space for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE IN SPORT

Changing the Narrative in Sport (CTN) is a Lausanne-based association dedicated to challenging traditional narratives and reshaping the sports landscape. Our mission is to connect, educate, and inspire people to change the narrative in sport by sharing stories and providing tools that facilitate game-changing moves.
At the heart of CTN are our events and storytelling platforms. Through these, we aim to bring everyone into the conversation to discuss emerging topics, share personal journeys, and collaborate on innovative solutions that enhance inclusion in sport. Initiatives such as the #HerStory campaign highlights the voices and perspectives of women working in sport, highlighting over 120 stories from around the world.
By fostering education, innovation, and collaboration, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment. We believe in the power of sport to drive social change and are dedicated to amplifying voices and providing the tools and platforms to make that change possible.

WOMENSPORT INTERNATIONAL

WomenSport International (WSI) was formed in 1994 to meet the challenge of ensuring that sport and physical activity receive the attention and priority they deserve in the lives of women and girls. The main purpose of WSI is to serve as an umbrella organization that can bring about positive change for girls and women. Our advocacy is strongly based on current research.

POWER TO PLAY PERIOD

Power To Play Period, has made it it’s mission to create supportive, inclusive education on menstrual health in sport and physical education. They provide lessons, seminars and resources for coaches, teachers and leaders in sport.

We invite academic institutions, sport associations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporate entities around the world to join the Advisory Council and to contribute to enriching the strategy, advising on key initiatives and developing GO activities around the world.

 

Advancing the empowerment, health and overall well-being of women and girls in all their diversity