International Women's Day 2026: Belonging, Leadership and What We Gain

On International Women's Day 2026, the theme centers on "Give To Gain." This piece reflects on what women's sport has provided and discusses ongoing challenges within the industry.

What has women's sport given you?

Women's sport has granted a profound sense of belonging. Growing up, the industry operated within restrictive gender assumptions that discouraged female participation. The growth of women's sport in recent years has shattered these gender stereotypes, allowing women to get involved in areas that were previously off-limits.

What does the industry still need to give more of?

Despite recent progress, significant leadership gaps persist. Only four of the twelve head coaches are women in the Barclays Women's Super League. Greater visibility of female leaders in authority positions would encourage younger generations to pursue similar roles.

What do we all gain when we invest in women's sport?

Investment generates innovative perspectives. Unlike men's sport, which developed through broadcast-centric and legacy media models, women's sport flourishes within digital ecosystems. Athletes utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to control their narratives, offering authentic storytelling that reshapes fan engagement and organizational strategies.