Embracing equity
Leading figures share their thoughts on gender equity in athletics, voicing their views on the barriers for women reaching top leadership levels and giving their advice for other women in high performance sport.
The discussion features:
- Vicky Huyton, Founder of the Female Coaching Network
- Lilly-Ann O'Hora, Women in Sport Manger at Athletics Ireland
- Laura Turner-Alleyne, GB sprints, hurdles and combined events coach
- Donna Raynor, former President of the Bermuda Athletics Association, now a member of the World Athletics Development Commission
- Polyxeni Argeitaki, Professor of Athletics at the University of Athens and winner of the World Athletics Woman’s Award in 2016
- Linda Nicholson, horizontal jumps coach and member of the UKA Jumps Advisory Board
- Lina Nielsen, GB international 400m hurdler
"We are starting to make some improvements and I think this is heavily to do with the establishment of the Gender Leadership Taskforce," said O'Hora. "They have introduced a number of programmes to connect and engage with the current and future leaders of our sport across the member federations and it has really allowed people to engage with likeminded women but also be educated and understand the barriers that other member federations are experiencing.
"I do think now we are at a pivotal point that we can start to begin incorporating more inclusive leadership - men and women working together for the better of our sport. I think we all have a role to play, to convert idea into action together."
Sharing her advice, Raynor said: "Continue to learn, grow and develop. When a door is opened to you, take that step and walk right on in, and do not ever doubt your ability."
Empowering women in athletics
The Empowering Women in Athletics group on Facebook is an extension of the work of the Gender Leadership Taskforce, offering a community for women in athletics and a place where they can share stories and experiences as well as ideas and projects.
