About the International Working Group on Women and Sport
The International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) was established in 1994 at the 1st World Conference on Women and Sport held in Brighton. The Group is an independent coordinating body consisting of representatives of key government and non-government organisations from different regions of the world. To date the IWG's main financial support and leadership has been provided by governmental organisations in the United Kingdom, Namibia, Canada, Japan and Australia.
Operational Principles
The following is the basis on which the IWG operates:
- The IWG is an independent, flexible working group with a small core of working members and large, international network.
- The IWG reflects global cultural diversity and a range of languages, in particular English, French, Spanish and Japanese.
- Participation/representation includes core members and co-opted members as described in the Membership section below.
- Two Co-Chairs lead the work of the IWG.*
- One Co-Chair is from the country hosting the next World Conference on Women and Sport and is primarily responsible for the Conference.
- The second Co-Chair is selected by IWG members. Roles and duties are balanced between the Chair and Vice-Chairs and allocated according to skills, experience and capacity.
- Ideally the Secretariat will be located in the country of the next World Conference.
- Meetings take place annually.
*Until 2010 the IWG will operate under the structure of a Chair and two Vice-Chairs.
The IWG annual meeting provides an opportunity to profile and advance women and sport issues in the region and country. In maximizing this opportunity, hosts are requested to involve key people in meeting activities.
- IWG members must be able to identify financial support for participation in the activities of the IWG and attend annual meetings.
- The country hosting an IWG annual meeting shall cover cost of meals and accommodation one day before and during the meeting if possible.
- Observers are welcome with the approval of the Chairs.
Membership of the Group
The following guidelines will determine membership of the group:
CORE MEMBERS
- Five regional representatives Africa, Americas & the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
- Two non-governmental organisations (NGO's): WomenSport International (WSI) and the International Association for Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women (IAPESGW).
- Regional representatives shall be appointed by the relevant regional organizations, where possible, and NGO representatives shall be nominated by the NGO.
CO-OPTED MEMBERS
- Additional members may be co-opted by the core IWG based on initiatives, expertise and priorities for a given time period. The IWG shall endeavour to ensure that a range and balance of skills are available to the Group in order to facilitate achievement of its goals.
- Co-opted members are selected by the core IWG in order to ensure appropriate representation, diversity, skills, contacts and knowledge. Indications of interest in becoming a co-opted member of the IWG will be considered.
- Upon special need, co-option of a specifically qualified expert or the invitation of experts for individual meetings is possible.
- Core and co-opted members will have the skills, competencies and knowledge requirements listed below.
- Membership is generally for a four- year term between World Conferences, however longer and shorter terms are also possible.
- In order to ensure continuity, it is desirable that the Past Co-Chair (World Conference) remains involved for the four-year term following the conference. If this is not possible, a representative of the previous host country will stay involved.
- Participation in the IWG is open to men and women.
Skills, Competencies, Knowledge Required
The following skills, competencies and knowledge are required by IWG members in order for the IWG to achieve its objectives and aims:
- Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of girls and women's sport.
- Ability to add value to the design and implementation of strategies for change at the international level;
- Knowledge and understanding of the structure and politics of the international sports movement;
- Capability of influencing senior decision makers within political, governmental, non-governmental and sport domains;
- Ability to network, develop and nurture relationships with individuals and organisations;
- Availability and capability of representing the IWG at meetings and conferences;
- Operating at a strategic and leadership level with other sport and non-sport agencies;
- Ability to lead and implement strategies among lay agencies, in particular multi-sport games and international federations.
