Women’s Health and Welfare: Equal Opportunities to Participate in Sport

Why This Panel Matters

This panel examines the fundamental right to health and welfare as the cornerstone of women’s participation in sport. It addresses key challenges such as gender-specific healthcare needs, disparities in training environments, and mental health support, aiming to foster a more inclusive sports ecosystem.

Key Topics:

Tailored Health Resources: Addressing women’s unique health needs in sport, including reproductive health, injury prevention, and wellness.

Equal Access: Identifying and closing gender gaps in training facilities, coaching, and resources.

Mental Health: Supporting the psychological well-being of female athletes at all levels.

Global Equality Benchmarks: Learning from global best practices to promote health and welfare in women’s sport.

Securing the Future of Women’s Sport: Tackling Cyber and Insurance Risks

Why This Panel Matters

As women’s sports gain prominence, unique challenges such as cyber security and insurance gaps emerge. Increased online exposure heightens vulnerability to cyber threats, while insufficient insurance can jeopardise athlete welfare and financial stability. This panel addresses these risks to ensure women’s sport remains secure and sustainable.

Key Topics:

Cyber Security: Tackling online risks like data breaches and personal security, with strategies to protect athletes and organisations.

Insurance Gaps: Addressing coverage shortfalls for injuries, maternity leave, and career transitions, and proposing stronger policies.

Financial Risks: Mitigating risks like sponsorship losses and ensuring financial stability.

Sustainable Solutions: Building collaborative frameworks for long-term protection in women’s sport.

Mind Over Matter: The Psychological Strengths Shaping Female Athletes in Sport

Why This Panel Matters

Mental resilience is crucial for female athletes to handle the pressures of competition and public scrutiny. This panel explores the unique psychological challenges they face and the strategies to enhance mental well-being, ensuring long-term success and a culture that values mental health as much as physical fitness.

Key Topics:

Building Resilience: Techniques to help athletes overcome challenges and perform under pressure.

Managing Media Pressures: Strategies for handling scrutiny and maintaining confidence.

Mindset and Performance: The role of self-belief, motivation, and goal setting in achieving excellence.

Support Systems: The importance of coaches, psychologists, and mentors in fostering mental well-being.

Facing the Thaw: How Will Winter Sports Adapt to Climate Realities

Why This Panel Matters

Climate change threatens the future of winter sports, impacting training, competitions, and snow-based activities. This panel explores its effects and innovative solutions to ensure sustainability and adaptation in the face of rising temperatures.

Key Topics:

Climate Impacts: How reduced snowfall and rising temperatures affect winter sports.

Adaptive Training: New technologies and environments like artificial snow and indoor facilities.

Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly equipment, venues, and carbon offset initiatives.

Advocacy: Using athlete and organisational platforms to promote climate action.

Guardians of the Game: Ensuring Safe Spaces in Women’s Esports

Why This Panel Matters

As women’s participation in esports grows, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment is vital. This panel explores key steps to combat harassment, improve representation, and foster a thriving, equitable esports ecosystem.

Key Topics:

Addressing Harassment: Strategies to combat bullying and toxic behaviour in gaming.

Inclusive Competition: Increasing representation and accessibility for women in esports.

Mentorship and Support: The role of mentors and communities in empowering female gamers.

Standards and Policies: Developing policies to ensure safety, respect, and equality in esports.

Empowering the Field: Crossing the White Line

Why This Panel Matters

“Crossing the white line” marks the transition from grassroots to elite sport, bringing visibility, opportunity, and challenges. This panel focuses on breaking barriers and creating inclusive pathways to empower women to advance confidently at every level.

Key Topics:

Pathways to Professional Sport: Structures and support to help women move from grassroots to elite levels.

Inclusive Development: Building pathways that address diverse needs across sports and backgrounds.

Role Models and Mentorship: The impact of mentors and role models in guiding and inspiring young athletes.

Sustainable Support: Creating long-term systems with financial, training, and personal development resources.

Silent Struggles: Confronting Power Abuse and Dominance in Women’s Sports

Why This Panel Matters

Power abuse and dominance remain critical but often unspoken issues in women’s sport, impacting athletes’ mental and physical well-being. This panel confronts these challenges, addressing power imbalances and promoting safer, more supportive environments.

Key Topics:

Understanding Power Dynamics: Identifying and mitigating power imbalances in sports organisations.

Impact on Well-being: Exploring the effects of abuse on athletes’ mental health and careers.

Prevention and Reporting: Improving strategies to prevent abuse and strengthen accountability.

Building Respect and Equality: Encouraging cultures that prioritise respect and support for athletes.