Ресурсы

Gender equality is a fundamental European Union (EU) principle. Enshrined in the Treaties, it is something the EU is actively trying to achieve – most recently through its Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2025. The Strategy aims to give women, men, girls and boys, in all their diversity, the freedom to pursue their chosen path in life and equal opportunities to thrive and to participate in and lead European society. Looking back at the steps already taken, the ‘Gender equality in sport – Proposal for strategic actions 2014-2020’ has certainly led to achievements, but the pace of reforms needs to be accelerated. Firstly, the principle of gender equality now underpins all actions funded under Erasmus+ Sport and projects supporting women’s sport are actively encouraged. Secondly, awareness raising is at the core of EU action in this field, notably through studies or discussions, such as within the Commission Expert Group on Good Governance. Finally, initiatives such as the annual #BeInclusive EU Sport Awards recognise those organisations using sport to increase social inclusion, including gender equality. In 2020, Commissioner Gabriel announced the setting up of an expert group with the aim of discussing the way forward and proposing future actions in the area of gender equality in sport to the European Commission, EU Member States and sports organisations. The work of the experts will lead to the implementation of concrete actions at local, national and European level. This report is the result of the work of the European Commission High-Level Group (HLG) on Gender Equality in Sport. The 15 members of the HLG were appointed in December 2020. Work began in February 2021 and was completed in December 2021. Meetings focused on six areas of engagement identified by the experts. Scientists and practitioners shared findings of their research and good practices. Each meeting was followed by working sessions to summarise the presentations and formulate recommendations.