Sporting women at the top of their game are taking part in a new initiative to ensure female voices are heard to bring about positive change in sport.
The Women In Sport Panel, launched today [Tuesday, March 8], has been established by Sport NI to champion women in sport.
The panel, which includes Paralympic gold medallist Kelly Gallagher and top athlete Ciara Mageean, has been set-up to help close the significant gap in overall participation rates and representation of women in sport. Members will share their views and creative ideas of how to improve female participation levels and their experiences in sport.
Sport NI Chief Executive, Antoinette McKeown, said: “It is fitting that the Women In Sport Panel is being launched on International Women’s Day [Tuesday, March 8], which celebrates the achievements of women across the world.
“The voices of women at all levels of sport need to be heard to improve participation levels and to deliver on better experiences.
“We want to address the barriers and create opportunities for women and girls to take part at all levels of their chosen sport, whether that be on the pitch, the sideline, or the boardroom.”
She added: “Our panel members come from across the sporting spectrum and bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge, of how we can ensure female voices are heard.
“The Women In Sport Panel is one step in strengthening equality, diversity and inclusion in our sporting system.
“I’m confident we can make a positive difference and deliver real change together.”