(Commonwealth)_ Commonwealth Sport is reinforcing its commitment to promoting equal opportunity and empowering women in leadership through the launch of its Women Leaders Programme for 2024/2025. This initiative aims to support and guide aspiring female leaders in the sports industry, equipping them with the necessary tools to break barriers and drive change.
The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme (CWLP) is an impactful platform designed to foster personal development and career growth for 16 selected women who aspire to assume leadership roles in the world of sports. By providing mentorship, financial support, and access to an extensive professional network, the programme seeks to cultivate a new generation of influential women leaders.
Participants of the CWLP receive a £5,000 scholarship to aid in their leadership journey, as well as mentoring from experienced professionals across the Commonwealth. Additionally, they gain access to a supportive community and valuable online resources, all geared toward fostering equality of opportunity within the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
Ellen Barwise, Director of Development & CGA Relationships at Commonwealth Sport, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, “The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme represents a powerful platform for championing equal opportunity and empowering women in leadership across our Commonwealth sporting communities.”
“As we welcome this new cohort of scholarship recipients and international mentors, we are reminded of the vital role they will play in shaping the future of sport – breaking barriers, inspiring change, and championing equality for generations to come,” she added.
A key aspect of the CWLP is its mentorship component, where accomplished women from across the Commonwealth dedicate their time and expertise to guide and inspire aspiring female leaders. These mentors provide invaluable support and insights, helping participants navigate their leadership development journeys and make meaningful contributions to the sports industry.
By connecting emerging female leaders with established professionals, the programme ensures that participants receive hands-on guidance tailored to their unique aspirations and challenges. This dynamic mentorship fosters growth, confidence, and the ability to influence positive change within their respective communities.
The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme is not only an investment in individuals but also a step towards greater gender equality in sports leadership. By bridging the gap and creating pathways for women to excel, CWLP contributes to a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.
The initiative also aligns with the broader vision of Commonwealth Sport, which actively advocates for gender equity and inclusive leadership opportunities. With ongoing efforts to break down barriers, programmes like CWLP serve as catalysts for lasting change, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to lead and thrive in the sporting world.
As the 2024/2025 cohort embarks on this transformative journey, the impact of their leadership will extend beyond personal achievements. Their success will inspire future generations of women to pursue leadership roles, reinforcing the message that sports can be a vehicle for empowerment, equality, and meaningful change.
With continued investment in female leadership and a strong support network, Commonwealth Sport is paving the way for a new era of inclusive sports governance, where talented women have the opportunity to shape the future of sports on a global scale.
