SIGA Survey reveals progress in gender equity, with further action still required

The Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has released the 2026 SIGA Survey on Female Representativeness at the Highest Executive Organs of International Sports Federations, revealing that while meaningful progress has been achieved in advancing gender equity in global sport governance, continued efforts are required to sustain and accelerate this trajectory.

The survey analyses gender representation across the 30 International Federations of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) offering one of the most comprehensive datasets currently available on female participation in sport’s highest decision-making bodies.

The findings show that women now hold 32.02% of executive positions across these federations, reflecting sustained progress over the past decade. Notably, 21 of the 30 International Federations analysed have reached or exceeded the 30% benchmark, signalling a positive shift in governance structures across international sport.

For the first time, one International Federation – World Athletics – has achieved full gender parity (50/50) at executive level. In addition, eight federations now report female representation between 40% and 50%, including  International Equestrian Federation – FEI – 47.62%), International Table Tennis Federation (45.45%), World Rowing (44.44%), International Gymnastics Federation (44%), World Aquatics (42.5%), World Rugby (41.67%) and World Skate (40%). A further 13 federations fall within the 30% to 40% range.

However, the data also highlights persistent structural imbalances at the very top of sport governance. The number of women serving as Presidents of International Federations has decreased from four to three since the previous survey in 2024, while only a limited number of organisations are led by female CEOs or Secretaries-General.

These findings point to a dual reality: progress is evident and measurable, but it remains uneven and fragile, particularly in the most senior leadership roles.

The survey concludes that while collective efforts across the sport ecosystem – including initiatives such as SIGAWomen – are yielding results, sustained commitment and structural reforms are required to ensure that progress translates into lasting change.

In response, SIGA calls on international federations, Olympic bodies and stakeholders across global sport to continue advancing measurable governance reforms, including:

• The implementation of SIGA’s Universal Standards on Good Governance in Sport;
• The adoption of clear diversity and inclusion policies across governance structures;
• The establishment of measurable targets and accountability mechanisms for leadership representation;
• The development of leadership pathways and continued investment in mentorship programmes supporting women in sport governance;
• The implementation of regular monitoring and public reporting on gender representation.

These efforts are aligned with the mission of SIGAWomen, launched in 2018 as a global platform to promote female leadership, gender equity and good governance in sport through leadership development, mentorship and international advocacy.

Commenting on the findings, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Co-Founder and Global CEO of SIGA, stated:

“Today, the data tells a more nuanced and encouraging story. We are seeing real progress across international sport governance, with more women stepping into leadership roles and a growing number of organisations reaching meaningful levels of representation.

This progress reflects the commitment of many individuals and organisations across the global sport ecosystem, including the work carried out through SIGAWomen.

However, we must remain clear-eyed. Leadership in international sport remains disproportionately male, particularly at the very top. Progress alone is not enough. We must ensure it is sustained and translated into lasting structural change.

The time for hesitation has passed. Now is the time to accelerate action, strengthen governance frameworks and ensure that leadership in sport reflects the diversity of the world it serves.”

Katie Simmonds, Global Chief Commercial Officer, SIGA, and Chair, SIGAWomen Council, added:

“Progress towards gender equity requires sustained commitment, collaboration and investment in the next generation of leaders.

Through initiatives such as the SIGAWomen Global Mentorship Programme, we continue to support emerging female professionals by connecting them with experienced leaders who can guide, mentor and open new pathways.

Real change happens when leadership is shared and when those in positions of influence actively contribute to building opportunities for others. Expanding access to mentorship and leadership development remains essential to shaping a more inclusive future for sport.”

 

The SIGA 2026 Survey on Female Representativeness at the Highest Executive Organs of International Sports Federations is available for download via SIGA’s website.

The results of the survey will be presented and discussed during a special SIGAWoW (Women on Wednesdays) session taking place today at 17:00 CET. The session will feature Katie Simmonds, Global Chief Commercial Officer of SIGA and Chair of the SIGAWomen Council; Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Global CEO of SIGA; Jennifer Ziemer, Vice-President, Global Sponsorships at Mastercard and Member of the SIGAWomen Council; and Priti Srivastava, Founder of Dayarani Advisory, and Member of the SIGAWomen Council. The discussion will be available to a global audience via streaming.

Watch THE SIGAWoW Session

 

Click here to join the 2026 SIGAWomen Global Mentorship Programme as a mentor or mentee.

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