"This support means a lot, but we're not there yet!"

Winner of the Champion Award, Gizem Girişmen from Türkiye, and Niamh Digby Bratton representing Trinity College Dublin whose “Women in Sport” campaign won the Project Award speak of the work accomplished but also of the long path ahead leading to gender equality.

Niamh Digby Bratton accepting the award from Rosaura Mendez Gamboa, Member of FISU Executive Committee and Chairwoman of the Gender Equality Committee and FISU President Leonz Eder.

Both the inspiring women that received awards have a lot in common. Firstly their modesty, insisting strongly that they are accepting this honour for all women and all people who have taken part in their respective projects. They both agree that these FISU Gender Equality Awards mean recognition, exposure and of course encouragement to carry on what they have started. Let’s give them a chance to say a few more words…

Projet Award 2025 – Student Sport Ireland

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 whole department sat down to brainstorm on the next major campaign we wanted to work on over the next three years”, said Niamh Digby Bratton, proudly wearing the Irish colours. We decided to align with the pillars of Student Sport Ireland in everything we do. This is not a linear campaign and we aim at putting women in sport into the limelight at every possible occasion. They are our champions, alumni, female spokespeople, leaders, student leaders… But at the same time, we set quite definite targets. And the best example of change is that for the very first time, the students voted for a female chairperson. We are extremely proud of that!”

When we ask her what this award might change, the answer comes immediately. “Hopefully extra funding so we can extend the campaign over two more years. This award recognises the work we have been doing over the past 24 months, with achievements like having 55% of our club members who are female. But the shift is a lot softer in the background. If we act at the top and at the bottom of the pyramid at the same time, we are certain that we can make change happen.”

Champion Award 2025 – Gizem Girişmen, PhD, University Sports Federation of Türkiye

Paralympic gold medalist, 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.

“My actions are a way to give back to sport what it has given me: I learnt so much throughout my career, smiles the young woman”, holding her award. “My life philosophy has always been one of balance and advocating for an equitable sport landscape is now my new competition. I believe challenging barriers and inspiring newcomers is as important as winning gold medals. This award means a lot, but we’re not there yet!”

Gizem Girişmen was not looking for just any way to remain in contact with the world of sport. “I am lucky because I was able to plan my retirement from para-sport. But it is not the case for everyone, that is why embarking on a dual career is really important: you always have something to fall back on. For me, it is this meaningful purpose that is now driving my life.”

“This said, This award is not just about me. It is a recognition of every woman, every athlete with a disability, every person who chose to show up, keep speaking out, and building systems that make space for everyone to dream, participate, and thrive equally. Getting this kind of recognition makes my heart beat just a little bit stronger and encourages me to carry on…”

Special Award 2025 – AUSF – Asian University Sports Federation

This year, the jury also decided to give out a Special Award. This went to AUSF, the Asian University Sports Federation for its ASEAN University Games (AUG). Led by the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC), they have 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.

Find out more about Gender Equality at FISU here.

“This support means a lot, but we’re not there yet!”

Related News

FISU bolsters relationship with IWG