Launched to coincide with International Women’s Day 2026, the initiative forms part of the global #GiveToGain campaign, which encourages individuals and organisations to contribute time, expertise and resources to advance equality. By formalising mentorship commitments, World Athletics aims to turn symbolic support into practical, measurable action across the sport.

A Practical Framework for Change

The initiative targets the entire athletics ecosystem, including Member Federations, Area Associations, coaches, technical officials, administrators, athletes and partners.

Participants are invited to register their pledges through a dedicated form, committing to a number of mentoring hours over the next 12 months. Mentors can also specify the area in which they will provide support, helping to match expertise with those seeking guidance.

Key areas include:

• Coaching and officiating – developing technical knowledge and experience on the field of play.
• Administration and governance – preparing women for leadership and decision-making roles.
• Media and communications – strengthening the storytelling and visibility of athletics through journalism, content creation and broadcast.

Mentorship itself can take a range of forms, from traditional one-to-one relationships to group sessions, shadowing opportunities and structured development programmes. World Athletics will track pledged and delivered hours, creating a system designed to strengthen accountability while measuring the initiative’s long-term impact.

Leadership Through Experience

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasised the importance of personal investment in driving meaningful change.

“Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools we have to accelerate change. Throughout my career, both on and off the track, I have seen how guidance, support and the willingness to open doors can change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

Coe added that achieving genuine equality requires a sustained commitment to supporting the next generation of women leaders.

“If we are serious about achieving gender equality in athletics, we must be equally serious about investing our time in the next generation of women leaders – in coaching, officiating, administration and governance. When we give our experience and expertise, we strengthen not only individuals, but the entire sport.”

Building on Existing Foundations

The mentorship pledge builds on several existing World Athletics programmes designed to create clearer pathways into the sport’s leadership and media ecosystem.

Initiatives such as the World Athletics Media Academy and Content Creator Programme aim to develop the next generation of journalists, photographers and digital storytellers, while the Kids’ Athletics Train the Trainer workshops focus on strengthening grassroots coaching and teaching networks around the world.

Stephanie Hightower, Chair of the World Athletics Gender Leadership Taskforce, said the success of the initiative will depend on collective action across the sport.: “Together, by committing our time, expertise and leadership, the athletics community can bridge the gender gap and ensure women have equal opportunities to lead, officiate, coach and shape the future of the sport.”

Stakeholders already supporting women’s development are also encouraged to share their stories, helping to showcase best practice and inspire further collaboration across the global athletics community.