Download a copy of the 2009 WSI information brochure - Click here. (.pdf, 485 Kb)
Aussi disponible en français, cliquez ici (.pdf, 298 Kb)
Formulario en Espanol (.pdf, 299 Kb)

IOC moves to address gender imbalance in Track Cycling for 2012 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved changes to the track cycling program for the 2012 Olympics to resolve the gender imbalance of the current program. There will now be five events for men and five for women. The individual pursuit competitions for both men and women have been dropped along with the men’s and women’s points race and the men’s Madison. Added are the women’s team sprint, team pursuit and keirin disciplines, plus the men’s and women’s Omnium, the newly-introduced multi-event race. The changes in the track cycling program will raise the number of women cyclists at the games from 35 in Beijing to 84. Women cyclists will make up 45 per cent of the total number of track cyclists at London 2012.

IOC plans meeting on gender
In response to the controversy surrounding the issue of Caster Semenya's gender identity, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is convening a conference this coming January to institute guidelines for dealing with the biological variations of gender identity. The results of that conference and recommendations for handling individual cases will be available on this site as soon as they are made public.

Commentary:
Muditambi Ravele, acting president of the South-African Women and Sports Federation
September 2009 - Caster Semenya should be basking in the glory of her 800 meters world gold medal in Berlin. Instead, 2009 looks set to be an annus horribilis year for the talented South African athlete.

After a flood of media reports world wide questioning her sexuality, the 800 and 1500 meter African Junior Championship title holder’s family has had to grapple with the freshest allegations - that an International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) medical probe has found the runner to be technically hermaphrodite!

Most pundits agree that IAAF handled the controversy poorly and contravened Semenya’s confidentiality by talking openly about her medical records. But that’s where the concurrence seems to end. Thereafter, the issue is clouded by leaks, unsubstantiated allegations, accusations of opportunism levelled at South Africa’s politicians after they publicly backed Semenya and finger pointing at both the IAAF & national federation Athletics South Africa (ASA) for being frugal with the truth – whatever that may be.

The Semenya debacle has proved once again that the sensitive practise of gender testing will continue to be a thorny issue. This is despite the International Olympic Committee World Conference on Women and Health passing a resolution to stop gender verification in 1996 and the IAAF ceasing the practise in 1992, but retaining the option to assess a participant’s gender should suspicions arise.

South African parliamentarian Vytjie Mentor has sought to protect local athletes from the test. She has submitted two private members’ legislative proposals that seek to amend two laws - the Commission on Gender Equality Act No 39 of 1996 and Human Rights Commission Act No 54 of 1994. The proposals aim to empower South Africa’s Commission for Gender Equality and Human Rights Commission to actively champion the gender and human rights of all locals when their rights are violated in the country and internationally.

The issue of gender testing has to be opened up again for debate within IWG, WomenSport International, the IOC Women and Sport Commission and United Nations office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI). A memorandum must also be signed to force the IOC and international sports federations to scrap gender testing indefinitely.

Followup: October 2009

“Brutal trial by media and insensitive management by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) is my view of how S-African athlete Caster Semenya has been treated in recent weeks. A heroine in sport who instead of celebrating her great victory in the 800 metres at the World Championships in Berlin, was subjected to confronting questions about her gender. I feel empathy for the athlete first of all but also for her family, in particular her mother.

Crisis does however lead to change. One positive that may come out of this case is the urgent need to rethink the concept of gender and the inclusion of so-called intersex athletes in sport. Gender may no longer be divided into two distinct categories, not even into three! May I recommend that you read Ntambi Ravele’s statement above. Ntambi is the Acting President of the South-African Women and Sport Federation.”

Johanna Adriaanse, Chair
International Working Group (IWG)

Protecting the athlete:

The IOC Olympic Movement Medical Code, adopted by the IOC Executive Board in Lausanne on 27 October 2005, is explicit in requiring confidentiality of medical information to protect an athlete’s privacy. Relevant sections are listed below. The entire Code may be accessed at http://www.olympic.org/Documents/medical_code_en.pdf

10.1. The Code is intended to apply to all the members of the Olympic Movement, in particular the IOC, the International Sports Federations and the National Olympic Committees……..

1.1. Athletes are entitled to the same fundamental rights as all patients in their relationships with physicians and health care providers, in particular the right to respect for:
a. their human dignity;
b. their physical and mental integrity;
c. the protection of their health and safety;
d. their self-determination; and
e. their privacy and confidentiality.

4.1. All information about an athlete’s health status, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, rehabilitation measures and all other personal information must be kept confidential, even after the death of the athlete.

4.2. Confidential information may be disclosed only if the athlete gives explicit consent thereto, or if the law expressly provides for this.

4.3. All identifiable medical data on athletes must be protected.

5.5. Athletes have the right to be treated with dignity in relation to their diagnosis, treatment, care and rehabilitation, in accordance with their culture, tradition and values.

Caster Semenya received none of these protections nor, as far as we know, has she received an apology from the IAAF for this breach of confidentiality. Instead she has become an object of conjecture, suspicion, and ridicule in the media. The effect on Ms Senenya of this unforgiveable disclosure of confidential medical data has been devastating.

According to the IAAF a fax containing confidential information was sent to the wrong address. Really? Who received that fax and what did they do with that confidential information? Who was responsible for the media learning that Ms Semenya had high levels of testosterone? Who provided the media with the information that led to the “hermaphrodite’ label? Will the individual(s) responsible be censured, dismissed, or otherwise disciplined? What action has the IAAF taken to ensure that no other athlete will have to endure public humiliation as a result of a failure to follow the Olympic Movement Medical Code?

This episode makes it quite clear that misconceptions abound about the biology of sex. Although it will not undo the damage done to Caster Semenya, the Executive Committee of WomenSport International recommends that the IOC Medical Commission convene a Consensus Conference for the purpose of identifying biological sexual variations that may affect athletic performance and determining which variations, if any, confer an unfair advantage in competition.

Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing +15

For details and registration form, visit their web site.

WSI NEW MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
JOIN – and become a member of one of the only RESEARCH-based Advocacy groups for Women – Sport and Physical Activity. We now offer a four year and a life-time membership option at a reduced rate. Credit card payment options are also now available. Click here – to download a copy of the latest brochure and membership application/renewal form.

WSI at the United Nations
WomenSport International, in collaboration with the UN Division for the Advancement of Women (UNDAW) and the international Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) hosted a parallel session during the 53rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women on Monday 2 March 2009 at the UN headquarters in New York. The purpose of the session was to report on the implementation of the recommendations of the UNDAW report "Women, Gender Equality and Sport", which was launched last year at CSW.

The session titled - Empowering women through physical activity and sport - featured a diverse group of expert speakers from all regions of the world including the following WSI Executive and Advisory Board members:

• Prof. Dr. Kari Fasting (Norway)
• Dr. Carole Oglesby (USA)
• Ms. Laura Gajardo (Chile)

The session was moderated by Johanna Adriaanse (Australia). For a summary of the presentations, click here.

Commission on the Status of Women Panel
Empowering women through physical activity and sport

The myth that never dies……
In 2006 Gian-Franco Kasper, head of the International Ski Federation, was ridiculed for saying , "Ski jumping is just too dangerous for women. Don't forget, [the landing] it's like jumping down from, let's say, about two meters to the ground about a thousand times a year, which seems not to be appropriate for ladies from a medical point of view."
A few years earlier, he told reporters that a woman's uterus might burst during landing.
Women continue to jump in spite of this dire warning with no injuries to their reproductive organs.

In 2000, the Seattle Times (USA) reported that women were encountering red flags from coaches who offered resistance and suspicious arguments for why females shouldn’t pole vault, “They weren’t strong enough. Their arms weren’t built to withstand the necessary force. Hard landings in the pit could damage their reproductive systems.” These dire predictions have not come true. In the Beijing Olympics, Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva set a new World record of 16’ 6 2/3”. No injuries to a woman’s reproductive system have been reported.

FACT: There is no medical or scientific evidence that participation in any Olympic sport causes damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. This discredited myth is being used to intimidate women and discourage them from participating in the sport of their choice.

Laura Gajardo, new Advisory Board member of WSI, recently conducted a study on women and sport in Chile
A research project was set up by Chiledeportes in 2006 and provides an overview of the female participation in sport. Strategies and actions are outlined based on a three pillar concept: Health - Quality of Life - Physical Activity/Sport. Chiledeportes has the objective to promote gender equality in sport and physical education.

Findings include that in Chile 62% of females are considered overweight and sport and physical education are seen to have the potential to solve this current crisis. Long working hours, lack of motivation and the scarcity of sports programs are main constraints for Chilean women to get involved in sports.

The following report summarises proposals to improve the current situation including the development of a public strategy to include women in sport, find ways of funding for women's sports programs and the creation of a female sport infrastructure.

The report provided by Laura Gajardo is available in Spanish language, please click here to download.

Minutes of the WSI Executive/Advisory Board Meeting held May 7-8, 2008 in Trikala, Greece are available, click here. (.doc, 59 KB)

Impact of WSI fund assist in Cambodia goes beyond sport.
The disability policy being prepared by ANZ Royal Bank (see below) is a direct result of 5 CNVLD women in WSI funded wheelchairs in Battambang who, one day, were given the chance to open a bank account and could not access the bank.
The resulting consequences and superb action being taken by ANZ Royal including a national disability policy for all their braches shows how effective sport can be as a catalyst for civil society development.”

Policy
The Management of ANZ Royal adopts “ANZ Royal Disability Physical Accessibility Policy (hereafter referred to Accessibility Policy) for the design, construction, expansion, renovation and alterations of the bank’s buildings so that our facilities are conveniently accessible by persons with disabilities. This instrument will ensure that all building designs of ANZ Royal Bank are considered in terms of their accessibility to person with disabilities.

2007 Meeting Minutes
The Executive Committee/ Advisory Board meeting minutes of March 2007 (.doc, 67 KB) are available. Download.

New WSI member designs sportswear for active Muslim women
Aheda Zanetti, Managing Director of Ahiida, recently joined WSI as a member.
Her company, Ahiida, is an Australian owned company that designs and produces quality swimwear and sportswear, for example the ‘burkini”. Ahiida garments are designed with the respect of Islamic values and aimed to enhance the lifestyle of the active Muslim female.
Sports clothing requirements can be a barrier for Muslim girls and women who want to play sports due to cultural and religious beliefs. Ahiida is addressing this issue by providing specialised sportswear to suit the Muslim female allowing Muslim women to compete in sports with confidence.
For more information on Ahiida’s products please check out their website www.ahiida.com.

United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) Publication
For the past several years, Dr. Carole Oglesby (former President of WSI) and a group of dedicated researchers have been working within the framework of the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) on a major publication on Women and Sport and sports effectiveness in promoting equality and social development. (See the interim reports in the WSI Initiatives section) The publication “Women, gender equality and sport” was launched at Feb 28, Commission on the Status of Women Meeting at the UN in New York City. This monograph is the latest in the WOMENWATCH 2000 and Beyond series.

Numerous WSI members, along with other experts from the International Working Group, the United Nations, and other agencies have contributed to the success of this project.

WSI extends its thanks and congratulations to WSI executive members Carole Oglesby, Johanna Adriaanse, and President Kari Fasting for their dedication in bringing this publication to completion. Former Executive Board member Elizabeth Darlison was also very influential in the early years of the Strategic Bridges project. It has been a WSI initiative for several years and we are pleased to see its publication. Download the Women 2000 Report (.pdf, 610 KB)

Johanna Adriaanse, Carolyn Hannan, and Carole Oglesby at the
Commission on the Status of Women Meeting, February 28, 2008

Check out the NEW IWG!
Leading up to the 5th World Conference on Women and Sport in 2010 in Sydney the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) has repositioned itself. More...

Fellowship Opportunities
The Center invites applications for its RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIPS for 2008-2009 from scholars and teachers at all levels of the educational system, as well as from artists, community organizers and political activists, both local and international. More...

Uganda Youth Ministries
October 20, 2007 - Uganda Youth Ministries has created an educational sport program focused on an Anti-HIV+ message and Netball and Soccer for girls. Such programs have utilized supportive materials and content from WSI members.

Reunión de Mujeres de ATTC en los Juegos Para Panamericanos de Río 2007
El día 15 de agosto, durante el transcurso de los Juegos Para Panamericanos de Río 2007, tuvo lugar la primer Reunión de Mujeres organizada por ATTC (Comité de Tenis de Mesa para discapacitados de América)....

WSI Founding Members
WomenSport International is pleased to recognize and acknowledge the work of the founding members of WSI: Celia Brackenridge, Libby Darlison, Barbara Drinkwater, Kari Fasting and Marion Lay. More...

Estimados amigos y colegas de habla Hispana,
La mision de WomenSportInternational es desarrollar deportes para mujeres a nivel mundial a travez de la aplicacion de investigacion, educacion y auspicio. Publicamos este material en nuestra pagina de internet tan pronto nos es posible. En el futuro publicaremos materiales en Espanol cuando nos sea posible. Esperamos que esto ayude a nustros miembros y visitantes de habla Hispana.
Gracias por su apoyo, Carole Oglesby Link to Spanish Resources

Dear Spanish speaking friends and colleagues,
June 25, 2003 - The WomenSportInternational mission is to develop sport for women around the globe through the application of research, education and advocacy. We publish such material on our website as often as we can. In the future, we will publish materials in Spanish when we are able. We hope this will be a helpful step to our Spanish-speaking members and visitors.
Thanks for all you do, Carole Oglesby. Link to Spanish Resources

IOC Adopts Concensus Statement on “SEXUAL HARASSMENT & ABUSE IN SPORT”
February 2007 - The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has adopted a Consensus Statement on “Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport” . This unique document defines the problems, identifies the risk factors and provides guidelines for prevention and resolution. More...

Congratulations
A huge congratulations to the Turin Organising Committee of the Olympic Games for selecting eight WOMEN to bring the Olympic flag into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. It was interesting to note that these women representing all continents, have made outstanding contributions not only in the sporting domain but also to culture and peace.

IOC Medical Commission focus on the health of athletes
(November 2005) Protecting the health of the athlete is the primary goal of the International Olympic Committee’s Medical Commission (IOC MC). Recently two Consensus Conferences of interest to WSI members were convened at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. More...

Statement on Transgendered Athlete participation
The Executive Committee of WomenSport International has been asked, through its member on the IOC Medical Commission Medical and Scientific Working Group, to support the Medical Commission proposed policy on Transgendered Athlete participation. More...

News from the United Nations:

UN-DAW manuscript
We have reached an agreement in regard to a planned UN-DAW publication provisionally titled Women 2000: Physical activity, sport, exercise and the achievement of girl’s and women’s development goals. The manuscript is to be prepared with the facilitation of Dr. Carole Oglesby, utilizing an international team of experts. The manuscript will marshall, summarize and interprete relevant data from the world over demonstrating and clarifying the roles of physical recreation, sport, exercise in meeting developmental goals prominent in UN treaty language (Beijing Platform for Action, Beijing+5 Outcome Document and CEDAW) and on-going initiatives and efforts. More... May 31, 2003

For additional materials about the work of WSI and the United Nations, please see our Current Initiatives section.