To mark International Women’s Day (March 8), the European Aquatics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission is highlighting its progress and ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and representative environment in aquatic sports.
Top of the agenda for 2025 art the establishment of a Women in Aquatics Network and a push to gather further signatories to the DEI Statement announced at last year’s inaugural DEI Conference in Belfast.
Aquatics Social Responsibility project manager Silvia Costa told European Aquatics that the 2024 Conference had been “a major milestone” in bringing together key stakeholders “to drive meaningful change.”
She confirmed that 17 national federations have already signed the Statement.
Those countries who have so far pledged their commitment to the cause are Spain, Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Israel, Kosovo, Switzerland, Croatia, Serbia, Germany, Austria, France and Portugal.
“In addition to securing these commitments,” Costa added, “the Commission has made significant strides in improving gender balance across European Aquatics’ Technical Committees, particularly in water polo.
“A landmark constitutional amendment also led to the formal inclusion of the DEI Commission within the European Aquatics framework and the appointment of two female members to the Executive Bureau.
“Looking ahead to 2025, European Aquatics is set to build on this momentum. Plans include launching a Women in Aquatics Network, developing a dedicated DEI Action Plan, and working with each National Federation to strengthen their DEI efforts.
“A key objective is to increase signatories of the DEI Statement, with a goal of at least 50% participation.
“Efforts will also focus on increasing diverse representation among coaches and officials, organising a DEI recognition event at the European Aquatics Congress and enhancing collaboration with World Para Swimming in areas such as education, events, and classification.
“European Aquatics remains committed to transforming conversations into tangible actions, ensuring that aquatic sports continue to evolve into a truly inclusive and equitable space for all.”
Andida Bouma, EA Treasurer and DEI Bureau liaison, told European Aquatics:
“Looking to 2025, we will work on further improving the balance in the Congress and establish a Women in Aquatics Network to create a pool of talent and an environment for women to thrive.
“The main focus will be on improving the gender balance among coaches, as there is a lot of ground to cover in that area.
“I am pleased with the progress made in getting more women involved in the sport in 2024.
“Last year we focused on the gender balance in governance and achieved improvement within the technical committees as well as the Bureau.
“We now have the full support of the Bureau, which considers this a condition to achieve the best possible results for the organisation and the athletes.
“We are on our way…”
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point for issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and violence and abuse against women.
