WSI recently endorsed the paper of the UNESCO Chair and Collaborators. Read our full letter of endorsement, and also the full statement from the UNESCO Chair.
WomenSport International
Re: Endorsement and support of the contribution to OHCHR with respect to Human rights Council Resolution 43/L.34 supporting the preparation of a study on sports following article 30 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from UNESCO’s Chair “Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities, their Families and communities (ITLPDFC) through Physical Education, Sport, Recreation and Fitness.
July 28, 2020 – This letter from WomenSport International (WSI) is to confirm WSI’s support and endorsement of the UNESCO Chair «Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities», statements and suggestions to OHCHR with respect to the Human Rights Council Resolution 43/L.34 and in the preparation of a study on sports following article 30 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
WomenSport International founded in 1993 is the global voice of research-based advocacy for Women and Girls in Sport. Through the research and educational activities of WSI’s members, WSI has become well recognized for its expertise and action on the status of and challenges impacting women and girls in sport. WSI specifically works to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of girls and women with disabilities. Organizations such as the International Olympic Committee, (IOC), the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) and the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) regularly engage the expertise of WSI members to present their research and recommendations for change.
Furthermore, WSI has consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS) consultative council. As a member of the consultative council WSI participated in the 2015 revision of the International Charter for Sport, Physical Activity, and Physical Education and the preparations and follow up of the MINEPS VI Kazan Report 2017.
Most recently, WSI contributed recommendations to the UNESCO Kazan Action Plan and the study on the Global Observatory on Women and Sport. Important to women around the world is WSI’s role in hosting presentations at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in partnership with the Women’s Sports Foundation US, the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM) and the International Working Group on Women in Sports (IWG).
We believe strongly in the rights of all women and girls in sport to have equal opportunities to participate and grow within the sport sector and beyond. The statements and responses prepared by UNESCO Chair «Transforming the Lives of People with Disabilities” are a true representation of the challenges in bringing about a more equitable and inclusive environment.
As an organization, WSI is hopeful to be called upon to assist in the movement and policy actions to improve the status of rights for women and girls with a disability.
Diane Huffman, President – WomenSport International
Read the full document from the UNESCO Chair and Collaborators. (.pdf)