News article
IWG Supports Launch of Kuwait’s Women In Sport Leadership Programme
On Thursday 30th November 2023, Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe travelled to Kuwait City to speak at the launch of The Safeguarding Alliance’s ground-breaking women in sport leadership programme.
The IWG were proud to support this launch, with Lisa taking to the stage alongside Fatema Hayat, Head of the Women’s Sports – Kuwait to discuss the global challenges in women’s sport and how collaboration can build toward a brighter future.
Speaking during the event, Lisa said: “I am delighted to be part of the launch of this innovative partnership between The Safeguarding Alliance and British Embassy Kuwait to develop the future women leaders of Kuwait sport. and connect them into the IWG global network to share learning with others focused on advancing women’s leadership.”
“The programme is designed for women working in sport to support their development and advance their leadership skills. The programme kicks off at the weekend with the first workshop taking place on Sunday at the Kuwait Olympic Training Centre and, having heard their plans and commitment, I have no doubt this programme will play a part in pushing towards gender equality within sport in Kuwait.”
Safe Sport Leaders is the first of its kind in Kuwait and will use highly experienced women’s sport mentors from the UK to support the women of Kuwait to lead their communities in sport.
The programme will build upon the hard work within Kuwait of the Women’s Sports Committee in recent years and provide women with the skills needed to succeed as safe leaders within the sector.
The programme also brings UK expertise to deliver performance education workshops focused upon safeguarding female participants and creating a positive and inclusive environment for women.
The British Embassy of Kuwait are lead partners and funders of this exciting new project and the Kuwait Olympic Committee have provided their full support with all of the workshops to be hosted at their amazing Olympic Training Facility.
Belinda Lewis, British Ambassador to Kuwait, The British Embassy Kuwait said: “The British Embassy is excited to be part of this project, supporting and championing women’s leadership in sport. Fostering talent across all different sectors, regardless of gender, is vital to ensure everyone can fulfil their potential and encourage the next generation.”
Emily Konstantas, Global Chief Executive Officer, The Safeguarding Alliance said: “I am extremely excited to see the launch of such a groundbreaking project ensuring safeguarding is rooted within every sport delivery. The race to safeguarding excellence has no finish line, and this is just the beginning. This project will leave a legacy for generations to come.”
Katy Storie, Global Director of Safeguarding in Sport, The Safeguarding Alliance said: “I am so proud to be leading this programme in a country with great commitment to developing women’s leadership. The Safeguarding Alliance will share expertise to boost this development and ensure safeguarding is at the heart of the delivery to the Kuwaiti women participants and the future generations they will inspire.”
For more information or to register for this historic first, please go to @tsasafesportleaders.
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