The winners will be announced during next FISU’s General Assembly, on 14 July in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The 9th edition of the FISU Gender Equality Awards is coming to an end! These awards highlight outstanding projects and significant efforts that contribute to fostering gender equality in sports. They also celebrate initiatives that create a more inclusive environment within university sports worldwide.
FISU Gender Equality Champion Award – Each NUSF or CUSF could submit one candidate only.
FISU Gender Equality Project Award – NUSFs and CUSFs could submit an unlimited number of nominations. This award is given to a project that has already been delivered at least once in 2023 or 2024. Priority will be given to projects which are sustainable and can be replicated by other organisations across the world. A grant of € 5000 will be provided by FISU to the winning project.
The shortlisted champions
Dr Etsuko Ogasawara
At the Juntendo University, where she’s working as the Executive Director of the Japanese Centre for research on Women in Sport (JCRWS) and appointed professor, Dr Etsuko Ogasawara established Japan’s first Center for Research on Women in Sport in 2014, focusing on athlete conditioning, leadership, and lifelong health. The same University also launched the country’s first clinics for female athletes and developed tools like the Female Athlete Diary and FAT screening. Since 2015, its Women Leaders and Coaches Academy has promoted female leadership in sport.
Ilhaam Groenewald
Ilhaam Groenewald is a pioneering sport leader in South Africa, known for her transformational leadership and lifelong advocacy for gender equity and inclusion. As Chief Director of Maties Sport and a former executive in major national sport bodies, she has opened doors for women across university and high-performance sport. A respected mentor, board member, and doctoral candidate, Ilhaam Groenewald continues to drive change through strategic reform, academic engagement, and empowerment.
Gizem Girişmen, PhD
Paralympic gold medallist, Gizem Girişmen is a leading advocate for gender equality, athlete empowerment, and inclusive sports policy in Türkiye and beyond. She has held key roles in the International Paralympic Committee, European Paralympic Committee, and Turkish sports governance. She also mentored young female para-athletes through initiatives like WOMENTORING, where she empowered them to build careers in both sport and leadership. As current advisor of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chair of the Para Shooting Technical Committee and a PhD researcher on Paralympic athletes’ dual careers, she bridges sport, policy, and gender equity and inclusion, earning national and international recognition for her impactful work.
The shortlisted projects
CEDU – Spanish University Sport Committee
“The Women’s Sports Week”
Held around International Women’s Day (8 March), Women’s Sports Week is an inclusive initiative by the SAF (Agustì Serra Product Manager of Physical Activity Service) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. It offers a week of free and diverse sports, fitness, and wellness activities for all individuals who identify as women. With sessions tailored to different levels and interests, the event aims to promote participation, visibility, and empowerment through movement, reinforcing the message that women belong in all spaces of sport and physical activity.
Student Sport Ireland
Trinity “Women in Sport” Campaign
Launched in February 2024, the Trinity “Women in Sport” Campaign is a university-wide initiative aimed at promoting gender equality across all levels of sport at Trinity College Dublin. The project reaffirms Trinity College Dublin’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, empowering, and diverse sports environment where women’s achievements are recognised, their participation is encouraged, and their leadership is cultivated. The campaign focuses on four strategic pillars: Leadership & Governance, Active Participation, Visibility, and Coaching & Officiating.
AUSF – Asian University Sports Federation
21st ASEAN University Games 2024
The ASEAN University Games (AUG), led by the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC), has made significant progress in promoting gender equality in university sports. Between 2022 and 2024, female athlete participation grew from 444 to 562, and female officials increased by 56%. Initiatives such as the “Women in Sports Leadership Workshop” and mentorship programmes have empowered women in leadership and officiating roles. AUG strategic integration of gender-inclusive policies and partnerships with national federations makes it a model for inclusive university sport events worldwide.
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