The International Canoe Federation hosted its second Women’s Symposium Webinar, reinforcing the global governing body’s commitment to advancing gender equality across paddle sport.
The event, which received a record number of registrations with almost 300 people signing up, took place on the eve of International Women’s Day, highlighting the ICF’s ongoing efforts to promote safeguarding, inclusion and women’s leadership.
It built on the strong foundations established during the inaugural ICF Women’s Symposium in Dublin, Ireland in 2023.
Led by ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias, the webinar brought together expert speakers from across the global sporting community.
Opening the session, ICF President Thomas Konietzko highlighted the ongoing efforts the federation had taken in advancing gender equality within its structures.
“Significant strides have been taken in recent years. We have more female delegates at the ICF Congress, more women chairing ICF Commission, and a growing number of female representatives in our National and Continental Federations,” said Mr Konietzko.
“I can assure you that the ICF will do everything in its power to create the conditions, the rules, and platforms to ensure that women’s voices are heard, valued, and empowered in our sport.
“Only then can we make our sport stronger and strengthen our global community together.”
In the opening remarks, Dr. Farias reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to ensuring that paddle environments remain safe and inclusive for all participants.
“We are dedicated to ensuring a safe environment and welcoming conditions for engaging in our sport,” she said.
“Promoting gender equality remains crucial to unleash the full potential of both women and men, contributing to sustainable development and the creation of a more equitable society.”
Also addressing the symposium was Pedro Dias, Gender Equality and Inclusion Manager at the International Olympic Committee, who highlighted the fundamental importance of gender equality in sport
“Gender equality is not a trend – it is a basic human right and today a must for any sports organisation if they want to have a sustainable growth creating safe and inclusion sport environments,” he said.
Mr Dias emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and collaboration across the entire sporting ecosystem.
“We need all of you, National Federations, Continental Federations, associations, clubs, athletes, to be involved, and with everybody together, we will manage to achieve our objectives,” he added.
The symposium continued with a presentation from Soraya Lida de Carvalho, a safe sport specialist, who addressed the implementation of safeguarding programmes, the identification of ethical misconduct, and the responsibility of institutions to ensure environments free from harassment and abuse.
The Olympian in artistic gymnastics underlined the importance of proactive safeguarding measures, while highlighting the ongoing global challenge of violence against women and girls.
“Protecting people not only helps prevent violence against them, but also contributes to improving sport for future generations,” she said.
Dr. Claudia Calvin Venero, an international relations expert, political scientist and strategic consultant, examined women’s perspectives and the future of leadership in sport.
Her presentation explored the structural barriers women often encounter within sporting institutions.
“Systems designed without women in mind, will always require women to adapt to them,” said Dr. Calvin Venero.
She insisted that "perspective and understanding reshapes power" as she reminded participants that there is a growing future of sports leadership for women across the globe.
The symposium webinar concluded with a panel discussion, called Women’s Leadership in Practice, providing reflections on safeguarding, leadership challenges, and the advancement of women in sport.
The panel was moderated by Moira Aston, CEO of Canoeing Ireland, who has led significant organisational transformation within the federation.
Ms Aston, who is also Vice President of Paddle Europe and a member of the ICF Board of Directors, emphasised the collective responsibility of sporting organisations to prioritise safeguarding and inclusive leadership.
“Together, we strengthen sport through respect, integrity, and equal opportunity for all,” she said.
Melissa Fisher, an executive business leader in Ireland and the United Kingdom, reflected on the evolving role of sport and outdoor environments in an increasingly digital world.
“In an anxious world, the outdoors doesn't need to be tougher – it needs to feel safer, welcoming and deeply restorative,” she said.
In the closing remarks, Dr. Farias said: "I am so happy that we delivered this symposium, and with great satisfaction. Happy International Women’s Day for tomorrow, and for every day of our lives."
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