European Aquatics is pleased to announce the first leadership webinar of the Women in Aquatics Network, scheduled to take place online on June 15, 2026 at 17:00 CET. Hosted online through the EA Academy platform, the inaugural session will be a dedicated members-only event for women who have joined the Women in Aquatics Network.
For the general public interested in joining the network, check more information below.
Marking an important milestone in the continued development of the Women in Aquatics Network, the webinar is an initiative designed to support, connect and empower women across the aquatic community through education, leadership development and shared experiences.
The webinar will bring together female leaders from across European Aquatics to discuss their personal leadership journeys, governance experience and the challenges and opportunities faced by women in sport leadership positions.
The webinar will feature:
- Julia Powischer – Secretary General of the Austrian Swimming Federation
- Kim Van Malderen – General Director of the Royal Belgium Swimming Federation
- Pia Zätterström – President of the Swedish Swimming Federation
- Rita Zeqiri – President of the Kosovo Swimming Federation
The discussion will be facilitated by:
- Sarah Keane – European Aquatics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Bureau Liaison
- Andida Bouma – European Aquatics DEI Committee Member and Treasurer
- Silvia Costa – Aquatics Social Responsibility Project Manager
Throughout the webinar, speakers will share reflections on navigating pathways to senior leadership, overcoming barriers, lessons learned at governance and executive level, and practical advice for women considering or preparing for leadership roles within sport.
The session will also explore how stronger governance structures, intentional leadership pathways and greater visibility can contribute to increased female representation in decision-making positions across aquatics and sport more broadly.
European Aquatics highlighted that the webinar aims to create an open and supportive environment where participants can learn from real experiences, exchange ideas and strengthen professional networks within the aquatic community.
HOW TO REGISTER
Women interested in participating in the webinar are invited to join the Women in Aquatics Network and register through the official platform.
The Network is open to women aged 18 and over who are members of a National Federation within European Aquatics, or who have been involved in aquatics at any point during the past 10 years, and who have an interest in leadership and professional development within sport.
