News article
Enhancing gender equality through sport
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has committed to implementing the Sports for Generation Equality initiative.
The governing body formalised its commitment in the presence of UN Women representatives in the Republic of Korea.
Led by UN Women, the Sports for Generation Equality is an initiative to create a multi-stakeholder coalition that will power gender equality in and through sport.
ITTF signed the Letter of Commitment in a meeting with UN Women in February during the most recent ITTF Summit, which took place around the Table Tennis World Championships Finals in Busan.
By signing the Letter, the federation has pledged to contribute to the implementation of the Sports for Generation Equality Principles, and has also committed itself to work with peers and relevant stakeholders to enhance gender equality.
“Signing this framework is a pivotal moment for us. It provides a framework for measuring our progress as we strive for greater gender equality,” said Petra Sörling, ITTF’s first female President and International Olympic Committee Member.
“While we take pride in our achievement of equal prize money since 2008, there is still much ground to cover and areas where improvement is needed."
“While we take pride in our achievement of equal prize money since 2008, there is still much ground to cover and areas where improvement is needed. Our investment in women extends beyond just players to encompass all facets of our organisation, including coaches, match officials, elected officials and staff. This commitment serves as our driving force to continuously do better.”
In the lead up to the meeting, ITTF also hosted a ‘Sustainability and Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ sessions, inviting UN Women to speak.
The signing of the Letter lays the foundation for future collaboration between UN Women and ITTF, with the aim of leveraging the influence of sports to enhance gender equality.
Last year, ITTF developed and released its Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan 2025.
Image: Jenny K.