What Kept Us Going: Personal Journeys of Women Advancing Sport
July 2026
WomenSport International (WSI) will host a special Open Session at the 2026 IWG Global Summit, bringing together leading voices in the global women’s sport movement for an inspiring and reflective panel conversation. Titled “What Kept Us Going: Personal Journeys of Women Advancing Sport,” the session highlights the lived experiences, challenges, and turning points that have shaped the careers of influential women leaders in sport.
Taking place on Friday, July 10, 2026 (1:15–2:30 PM, Hall 8), the session will be moderated by Emily Cameron-Blake (WSI Board Member), with opening remarks from Professor Kari Fasting (Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, WSI Founder and Past President) and closing reflections by Diane Huffman (WSI President).
The distinguished panel features:
- Dr. Anita White CBE – Co-Founder of Women in Sport, the IWG, and the Anita White Foundation and Fund
- Professor Dr. Elizabeth Pike – Professor, University of Hertfordshire; IWG Research Lead; Director of WISH; Co-Founder of the Anita White Foundation
- Danette Leighton – CEO, Women’s Sports Foundation (USA)
- Dr. Maria Luisa M. Guinto – President, International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women (IAPESGW); Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman
- Dr. Lombe Mwambwa – CEO, Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport
- Dr. Kanae Haneishi – WSI Secretary General; Professor, Western Colorado University
Through personal storytelling, panelists will share how they first became involved in advancing women’s sport, the barriers and resistance they encountered, and the moments that tested their commitment. Their experiences span research, policy, grassroots initiatives, and organizational leadership, offering insight into the many pathways through which women have driven meaningful change—even in complex and under-resourced contexts.
Structured as an interactive discussion with time for audience engagement, the session creates space for connection, reflection, and learning across generations and regions. Open to all attendees, this gathering aims to inspire continued leadership and advocacy for gender equity in sport worldwide.
