(Commonwealth)_ On International Women’s Day, Katie Sadleir CNZM, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting equal opportunity and embracing diversity within the sporting community. This dedication was emphasized with the support of her female senior executive colleagues, who highlighted the importance of gender equality in leadership roles, governance, coaching, and participation across the Commonwealth Movement.
Sadleir highlighted that International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder for everyone to reflect on their efforts to embrace diversity. At Commonwealth Sport, this commitment is integral to their values, and the organization is dedicated to seeing more women in leadership positions, coaching roles at elite and community levels, officiating, and, importantly, participating in the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games. She celebrated the dedication of current and future female athletes, role models, and leaders, thanking them for their invaluable contributions.
A key part of Commonwealth Sport’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s leadership is its Women Leaders Programme (CWLP), which has seen tremendous success in empowering the next generation of female leaders. Since its inception in 2022, the CWLP has awarded scholarships to 50 women, enabling them to develop leadership skills and make significant contributions to the Commonwealth Sport Movement. This year, 16 women are benefiting from the programme, which provides mentorship, professional development opportunities, and funding for purpose-driven projects aimed at strengthening local communities and promoting gender equality.
For the 2024-2025 period, Commonwealth Sport has committed £80,000 to support personal development and community projects for these women. The programme is not only an investment in individual growth but also a driving force for social change, using sport to foster inclusivity and progress. By supporting female leaders, Commonwealth Sport is playing a vital role in breaking barriers and creating more opportunities for women in sport. The Commonwealth Sport Management Team is another example of the organization’s commitment to gender equality, with 16 women and 13 men constituting the team. Four of the seven senior leadership roles are held by women, and this leadership is echoed by senior executives who continue to champion the advancement of women in leadership roles within the organization.
Ellen Barwise, Director of Development and Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Relationships, shared her appreciation for being part of an organization where gender equality is deeply embedded in the structure and programs. She emphasized the importance of empowering women to navigate their paths to leadership, noting the remarkable impact women are having in the Commonwealth, both on and off the field.
Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sports, expressed optimism about the future of women’s leadership in sports, highlighting the energy and integrity that women bring to the movement. She celebrated the brilliance of female athletes and young female leaders who are shaping the future of Commonwealth Sport.
Sue McGregor, Director of Marketing and Communications, pointed out the continued challenges women face in securing leadership roles in sports. Despite the progress, we still need to ensure that women’s leadership becomes the norm rather than the exception. She expressed gratitude for working within an organization that prioritizes equity and strives to break down barriers for women in sports.
Janice Shardlow, Director of Governance and Corporate Affairs, reaffirmed the Commonwealth Games’ commitment to diversity and equality, particularly in governance. This dedication is reflected in the inclusive approach to gender diversity across all layers of the organization. Claire Carver-Dias, Regional Vice-President Americas and Commonwealth Sport Canada President, shared her experiences with the importance of mentorship and support networks for women in sports. She acknowledged the barriers that women face in leadership roles but emphasized the importance of building alliances and demonstrating the value females bring to decision-making spaces.
