Power of Women’s Sports Summit Highlights Sustainable Development through Sports

On June 24, London hosted the second annual Power of Women’s Sports Summit, presented by e.l.f. Beauty. The event emphasized the critical role of women’s sports in fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainable economic growth, aligning closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).

Summit Overview and Key Participants

Produced by Billie Jean King Enterprises and hosted by CNN International sports anchor Amanda Davies, the summit convened influential leaders from sports, business, and philanthropy sectors. Key participants included:

• Billie Jean King, founder of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)
• Melinda French Gates, philanthropist and founder of Pivotal
• Michele Kang, American businesswoman and owner of London City Lionesses football club
• Malala Yousafzai, youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights advocate

Driving Sustainable Development through Women’s Sports

Michele Kang highlighted the tangible success of investing in women’s sports, stating that such investments drive performance, build passionate fanbases, and shape the future of sports. This aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s empowerment and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering economic opportunities within the sports industry.

Melinda French Gates emphasized the broader social impact of investing in women, noting that it unleashes a cycle of prosperity benefiting families, communities, and economies worldwide. Her remarks underscore the importance of SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

New Initiatives to Promote Gender Equity in Sports

Malala Yousafzai and her husband, Asser Malik, announced the launch of Recess, a new initiative aimed at increasing investment in women’s sports, particularly in regions where girls have limited access to sports opportunities. The initiative seeks to fundamentally transform ownership structures in women’s sports, promoting gender equity in leadership and participation, directly supporting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Representation and Role Models in Women’s Sports

The summit featured prominent athletes and leaders, including:

• Kendall Coyne Schofield, Olympic gold medalist and captain of the Minnesota Frost ice hockey team
• Jenna Schillaci, former club captain of Tottenham Hotspur football club

These figures exemplify the progress and visibility of women’s sports, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by encouraging active lifestyles and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports.

Women’s Tennis: A Trailblazer for Over Half a Century

The summit paid special tribute to the pioneering role of women’s tennis. Speakers from the tennis community included:

• Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA
• Kerstin Lutz, CEO of BJK Cup Limited
• Ilana Kloss, Chair of BJK Cup Ltd and WTA founding member

Ilana Kloss remarked on the ongoing progress in women’s tennis, highlighting the shift from grassroots programs to global finals as evidence of long-overdue change. Billie Jean King emphasized the symbolic importance of the BJK Cup, which represents more than tennis — it signifies opening doors and inspiring girls worldwide, reinforcing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Conclusion

The Power of Women’s Sports Summit demonstrated that investing in women’s sports is a powerful catalyst for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting gender equality, economic growth, health, and reduced inequalities, women’s sports contribute significantly to building inclusive and sustainable communities globally.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on advancing gender equity and empowering women through sports.
   • It highlights initiatives to increase women’s ownership and participation in sports.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Promotion of women’s sports contributes to healthier communities and individuals.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Investment in women’s sports is linked to long-term economic growth and innovation.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses fostering opportunities for girls in regions where access to sports is limited.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The summit brings together leaders from sports, business, and philanthropy to collaborate on advancing women’s sports.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life (e.g., increasing women’s ownership in sports).
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere (advancing gender equity in sports).
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being (through active participation in sports).
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, which can be indirectly supported by sports engagement.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation (investment in women’s sports driving economic growth).
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status (providing opportunities for girls in underserved regions).
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships (collaboration among sports, business, and philanthropy leaders).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Proportion of women in leadership roles within sports organizations (implied by focus on ownership and leadership).
   • Percentage of girls and women participating in sports at various levels.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 3 (Health and Well-being)
   • Participation rates in physical activities among women and girls.
   • Health outcomes related to increased physical activity.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 8 (Economic Growth)
   • Economic impact of women’s sports (e.g., revenue, job creation).
   • Investment levels in women’s sports initiatives.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Access to sports opportunities for girls in underserved regions.
   • Reduction in disparities in sports participation by gender and region.
5. Indicators Related to SDG 17 (Partnerships)
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships formed to promote women’s sports.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wtatennis.com