The Global Observatory was proud to organise and co-host a high-level panel on the final day of UNESCO’s 7th international Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VII) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The event which was co-hosted by the Swiss Confederation, the Commonwealth Secretariate and the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport of the Council of Europe, highlighted the need for accelerated, multisectoral and evidence-based action to advance gender equality and empower girls and women in and through, physical activity, physical education and sport (PEPAS).
The eleven expert panelists, including H.E. Mr Sebastian Palacios Muñoz, Minister of Sport for Ecuador; Ms Nadja Mahler, Head of Sport for All, Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport and Ms Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, further emphasized the need for collective activism; the collation and intersectional analyses of disaggregated data and resourcing evidence informed programming. Furthermore, panelists reaffirmed their support for collective and focused action to address gaps in data and research, including on the structural, socio-cultural and economic barriers to PEPAS as well as the lack of resources.
Switzerland is therefore very proud to reiterate its commitment to the Global Observatory, and wishes to appeal to other Member States to step on board. This is important for an inclusive future for all in sport, and through sport.
Ms Nadja Mahler, Head of Sport for All, Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
Sport is a mirror of our societies: it both reflects and magnifies broader patterns of gender inequality and discrimination that urgently need to be addressed. At the same time, sport can serve as a powerful tool for change: through sport, women and girls can challenge toxic stereotypes, develop leadership skills and feel empowered. For all those within the sports world, this is your wake up call and Fit for Life is your pathway to action. Join the Fit for Life Alliance and make the change a reality
Ms Gabriella Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social & Human Sciences, UNESCO
In the Sports agenda with a Gender Perspective of the Ibero-American Sports Council -CID, there is an specific space addressed to the involvement of women at different levels of sports, legislative frameworks and training with a gender perspective.
H.E Mr Sebastiàn Palacios, Minister of Sport, Ecuador
In Ecuador, we have taken the initiative to formulate the Protocol to prevent gender-based violence in sports, which was possible due to the concerted efforts of State entities (Ministry of Women and Human Rights, National Council for the Equality of Disabilities, National Council for Gender Equality) and the collaboration of UN Women.
The Global Observatory joins the effort towards gender equality by supporting actors with a coordinated approach to tracking commitments, results, and the approaches to creating change. By establishing a global data base, we can ease access to evidence while widening the scale of data we can engage with for policy and programmes.
Dr Lombe Mwambwa, The Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport
Collective work and a multi-sectoral approach is vital if we want to see lasting change in the sport sector; currently inequalities are rife and we need initiatives like the joint European Union-Council of Europe project All In Plus, and also working with a wide range of stakeholders to be sure to bring about meaningful change.
Ms Francine Raveney, Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the Council of Europe
Peace is not the absence of violence and silence of guns. Peace is the presence of tolerance, inclusion and social justice in society.
Mr Stanley Mutoya, African Union Sports Council Region 5
Investing in measurement of the contribution of sport to the SDGs will allow us to tell the whole story and become better at counting the steps towards specific policy outcomes including health, education, gender equality, social inclusion, and economic and sustainable development.
Dr Lin Sambili, The Commonwealth Secretariat
Our most recent progress report found that while advancements have undoubtedly been made in terms of opportunities and visibility of women and girls’ sport, there is still more work to do. Based on these gaps, our strategic focus for the next four years will be on Connections, Insight and Advocacy in order to bring stakeholders together to make the changes needed to the structures and values of sport globally.
Lisa O ́Keefe, International Working Group on Women and Sport
The Global Observatory, represented on the panel by Dr Lombe Mwambwa, Director of Research, was acknowledged for its strategic and unique roles as a convenor, coordinator and knowledge hub for progressing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in and through PEPAS.
The MINEPS VII panel discussion is part of a series of joint global events organized by the Global Observatory, convening key partners from governments, civil society, the United Nations, research institutions, and sports federations and governing bodies. The Global Observatory, intends to leverage these global fora to share good practices, track progress and inspire joint action aligned with advancing global sustainable development goals, namely, SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing.
Consultation of International Sport CSOs
In addition, The Global Observatory seized the opportunity and presence of key civil society organisations at MINEPS to reconnect and decide on strategic opportunities for accelerated action and advocacy as well as strengthening accountability, to advance women and girls’ health, rights and empowerment in and through PEPAS.
The Global Observatory hosted a closed meeting and provided an update on progress and plans of the Global Observatory and to obtained advice and support for next steps. The meeting affirmed the importance of the Global Observatory and its role as a coordinating platform for various actors, a convening body to promote collaboration, and to drive a collectively agreed monitoring initiative. The organizations present include IWG, WSI, IAPESGW, AISEP, Seijo Univeristy & SCP Japan, Sauté Sante, and TAFISA. The delegates reiterated their ongoing support for the Global Observatory and their commitment to contribute to its development and success. Some areas of action include communications and information sharing, collaboration on activities, shared strategies and networks, and strategic coordination on areas of mutual interest.
Sharing Information
The Global Observatory contributed to the information exhibitions and tables in the MINEPS VII Conference venue across the week. Together with stakeholders, the GO collaborated to provide information through banners, posters, brochures, and booklets.
Image: Exhibition info space, banners etc
The MINEPS VII conference provided an opportunity for engagement and developing contacts with actors around the world for potential collaboration and for the GO to showcase to the member states the progress made in its development since Kazan.
Walking the Talk
During the Ministerial Conference, the GO presented their Fit for Life Pledge and commitment to the Fit for Life Alliance. The Global Observatory is a key player in taking forward the Game Plan as a contributor to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the initiative.
The GO announced plans to convene and develop a global network of data and research experts across research centers and academia to participate in the Global Observatory monitoring and reporting. This will be a key resource in enabling the Global Observatory to fulfil its clearing house mission and in supporting governments and other stakeholders with evidence and insights for their work as they implement their strategies and action plans.
Furthermore, global support for The Global Observatory was reaffirmed by partners and member states in the MINEPS VII Outcome Document: Fit for Life Alliance providing a blueprint and momentum for action.
