European Aquatics has marked European Gender Equality Week by reaffirming its commitment to an inclusive future where aquatic sports are accessible and equitable for all.
This is one of the key Aquatic Social Responsibility (ASR) goals set out in September at European Aquatics’ first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Conference, which took place in Belfast.
EA President Antonio Silva and Bureau Member Sarah Keane officially announced the European Aquatics DEI Statement.
Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland and chair of the European Aquatics DEI Committee, was instrumental in organising the conference and emphasised the importance of this landmark occasion:
“Today was about European Aquatics saying we care,” she said. “It’s about being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation, and working with our national federations to make sure that vision permeates all of aquatics.
“We wanted to empower, explain, and understand what challenges exist and what needs to be improved. This event has brought people together in a meaningful way, and now it’s time to turn these discussions into tangible actions.”
This milestone represented a clear and united step toward fostering a sports culture grounded in fairness, inclusivity, and respect.
European Aquatics intends to continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive world in aquatics.
Meanwhile all National Federations are invited to sign the DEI Statement and espouse the Aquatic Social Responsibility (ASR) goals, which align with key priorities of the European Commission.
During European Gender Equality Week the European Parliament has been evaluating progress, celebrating achievements, and exploring new strategies to promote the rights of women and girls across various sectors.
The aspirations include:
Raising awareness of gender equality in sport, in collaboration with EU Member States and national sports organisations
Incorporating gender equality as a core principle of good governance in European sports organisations
Ensuring gender equality is a key criterion for funding under the Erasmus+ programme, supporting sport projects across Europe
Creating safe and positive sporting environments, while combating gender-based violence and stereotypes in sports and related media
