It’s International Women’s Day 2025, and the theme this year is #AccelerateAction.
“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum!” – Now that’s a stat!
“Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres”. But how can this be interpreted in the world of sport and, more specifically, dinghy sailing?
We’re not experts at this, we’re just super passionate about seeing more women and girls on the water, so we whipped the relatable actions off the International Women’s Day website and tried to make them apply to sailing. It won’t be achievable for all clubs and classes, but any small step you can take to make our sport more inclusive is, in our eyes, a really worthwhile step! As we said, we’re no experts here, so a lot of our thoughts are just questions, but hopefully, they inspire a conversation between passionate people who can spark change!
Supporting women and girls into leadership, decision-making, business and STEM
How many girls or women do you have on your club or class committee? What roles are they doing on that committee? Could you create a mentor programme that empowers women to take on new roles? Do you need to recruit more women to your committee?
Designing and building infrastructure meeting the needs of women and girls
What club boats do you have? Do they support the development of women and girls learning to sail in a postive way? Can they balance the rig to ensure they spend their time on the water smashing it, not fighting it?
Can you sail double-handed boat if a sailor chooses to? It’s proven that when girls find sport has a social element to it, they’re much more likely to keep participating into their later teen years.
Providing women and girls with access to quality education and training
How many female Instructors or Race Coaches do you have in your class or club? Could you actively encourage engaged members to get qualifications with small subsidies or simply by empowering them? Female role models are a fantastic way to attract and retain girls and women in sailing and wider sport.
Elevating women and girl’s participation and achievement in sport
Could you create a women’s only event at your club? Coaching in the morning, racing in the afternoon. Women/Girls’ only activity doesn’t suit everyone, but for those looking to gain confidence and new skills in a low-risk and unintimidating environment, it’s proven that these events are hugely beneficial at a grassroots level and beyond.
Could you hold a guest speaker event with a sailor that’s had fantastic achievents within the world of sailing? From volunteering, medalling at a world-class event or having a successful career in the marine industry – a short talk could be the spark that inspires the next generation!
Could you audit your website and messaging around your clubhouse to ensure there’s imagery and messaging that shows you’re inclusive of women and girls?
Helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health
It’s well known that periods are often a barrier to girls getting on the water, how could you format your club activity to ensure it’s more inclusive for girls. Could you consider shorter training sessions, not back-to-back racing or facilities on the water?
Could you have a women’s representative on your committee that is a touchpoint for all female sailors looking for advice or support, from a kit that fits properly, to choosing a boat that’s empowering?
Addressing further areas supporting the advancement of women and girls
Could you create a sub-committee or working group within your club or class that focuses purely on inclusivity? Inspire and challenge each other to break down barriers for women, girls and wider groups in the sailing community.
Accelerate Action
As we said, we’re no experts here and we never want to cause offence, but hopefully, the thoughts above inspire a conversation between passionate people who can spark change and accelerate action!
