Global Alliance for Female Athletes Launched to Transform Women's Sports

A new initiative, the Global Alliance for Female Athletes (GAFA), aims to close the gender gap in sports science research by providing a centralized resource for female athletes, as highlighted by Paralympian Emma Wiggs. This collaboration among sports scientists from multiple countries seeks to address the unique challenges faced by female athletes, such as the impact of the menstrual cycle on performance. In line with International Women’s Day, various campaigns are urging for accelerated action in women's sports, focusing on issues like athlete pay, media coverage, and representation. Notable campaigns include Dove's #KeepHerConfident, which aims to boost body confidence among young female athletes, and LUX's initiative at a beach volleyball tournament that critiques the objectification of female athletes. Additionally, Austria's athletics scene is seeing an increase in female coaches and officials, highlighted by Beate Taylor's new role in promoting gender equality within the sport. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for equality and representation in sports, as well as the importance of role models for the next generation of female athletes.