The Women in Aquatics Network reached an important milestone on 15 June with the successful delivery of its first leadership webinar, bringing together more than 30 women from across the European aquatics community for an inspiring discussion on leadership, governance and professional development.

Hosted through the European Aquatics Academy platform, the members-only webinar forms part of the Women in Aquatics Network initiative, which aims to support, connect and empower women across aquatic sports through education, leadership development and shared experiences.

The session featured four accomplished leaders from across European aquatics: Julia Powischer, Secretary General of the Austrian Swimming Federation; Kim Van Malderen, General Director and Secretary-General of the Royal Belgian Swimming Federation; Pia Zätterström, President of Sweden Aquatics; and Rita Zeqiri, President of the Kosovo Swimming Federation.

Facilitated by Sarah Keane, European Aquatics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair and Bureau Liaison, and Andida Bouma, European Aquatics DEI Committee Member and Treasurer, the webinar provided participants with valuable insights into the speakers’ personal leadership journeys and the experiences that shaped their careers.

“This webinar is an important first step for the Women in Aquatics Network,” said Sarah Keane. “By bringing together women from different backgrounds and leadership positions, we create a space to share experiences, learn from one another and encourage more women to pursue leadership roles within aquatics.”

Throughout the discussion, the speakers reflected on navigating pathways to senior leadership positions, overcoming barriers, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and building confidence in environments where women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles.

Drawing on experiences from Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Kosovo, the speakers highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving greater gender balance within sports organisations.

Women interested in joining future activities of the Network are invited to 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.

A recording of the webinar will be made available exclusively to Network members. Women interested in accessing the recording are therefore encouraged to register for the Women in Aquatics Network through the official platform.