On October 8, 2024, the iconic Olympic Museum became the global stage for advancing gender equality in sport, as leaders, researchers, and advocates convened for the inaugural Global Observatory (GO) Conference. Among the key voices at the event were WomenSport International (WSI) President Diane Huffman and Board Director Professor Kari Fasting, both of whom played pivotal roles in the proceedings.
Lausanne, Switzerland
October, 2024,
The iconic Olympic Museum became the global stage for advancing gender equality in sport, as leaders, researchers, and advocates convened for the inaugural Global Observatory (GO) Conference. Among the key voices at the event were WomenSport International (WSI) President Diane Huffman and Board Director Professor Kari Fasting, both of whom played pivotal roles in the proceedings.
Diane Huffman moderated the session “Advancing Women in Governance and Leadership,” which brought to light research and real-world strategies for breaking barriers in sport leadership. With her seasoned insight and commitment to equity, Huffman guided discussions that underscored the need for intentional policies like quotas and leadership development programs to ensure women’s meaningful representation across sports organizations.
Meanwhile, Kari Fasting, a trailblazer in sport sociology and gender studies, led the session “What is Gender-Based Violence in Sport?” As a Professor Emerita at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and a founding force within WSI, Fasting unpacked the complexities of gender-based violence (GBV) in athletic settings. She emphasized the urgent need for better reporting systems and spotlighted successful case studies, such as the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committees’ approach to safeguarding.
Both leaders reinforced WSI’s mission by bridging the gap between research and action—showing how academic insights can drive practical change. Their participation highlighted not only the enduring relevance of WSI’s work but also the importance of collaboration in building safer, more inclusive spaces for women and girls in sport.
As the Global Observatory sets its sights on continued impact, the presence and leadership of WSI through Diane Huffman and Kari Fasting signal a powerful commitment to transforming sport—one policy, one voice, one action at a time.
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