The United Nation’s (UN) Women Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Izeduwa Derex-Briggs says the UN is ready to support Olympic Movement in efforts to increase women’s participation in leadership positions.
She said the UN knows that sport can transcend differences of sex, race, religion and nationality and people from all walks of life experience the [ads1]thrill of the Olympics and this shared experience unites the world.
Madam Derex-Briggs made this statement at the end of a three day International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) organised leadership forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
She added that as UN Women, they know that sport can be a powerful tool to empower women and girls and tear down gender barriers and discrimination.
She continued that “I’m calling on all of you in leadership at National Olympic Committees to remove barriers to decision-making positions and put women and men on an equal footing.
“Participation in sport at all levels can effectively empower women and girls and provide them with skills they can transfer to other domains.
“Rwanda is one of the best examples of how effective quotas can be. The country ranks at the top in terms of gender balance with more than half of its parliament composed of women.
“This can be achieved in all spheres, including the Olympic Movement, if we make concrete commitments.”
She also mentioned that strength, perseverance, commitment, team spirit, solidarity, and respect for others – are all values that are central to sports but also to the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The IOC Member, President of IOC Women in Sports Commission and the President of Burundi National Olympic Committee, Madam Nsekera Lydia in her remarks, reminded that the purpose of the forum was to interact, sharing the best practical experiences and encouraging the men to participate in promoting gender.
The forum was prepared and hosted by Republic of Rwanda through Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee in close partnership with The International Olympic Committee.
The Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) was represented by Madam Linear Addy (Board Member – GOC) and Ms Christine Ashley (Administrative Secretary – GOC).
It was attended by 251 participants from 71 countries.
