The SIGA Global Mentorship Programme for Young Aspiring Female Leaders in Sport is part of the SIGA Global Agenda on Female Empowerment and Leadership.
In 2021 SIGA went virtual with its Global Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Female Leaders in Sport in Sport and we expanded the programme across every continent.
Initially announced at a SIGA Session in Paris on the eve of International Women’s Day in 2018, SIGA set in motion the launch of a worldwide, action-orientated mentorship programme to support and encourage future female leaders in sport to reach their potential. For the first official press release, click here. To date, SIGA has delivered mentorship to over 400 aspiring female leaders in the sports industry and our target for the 7th cycle is to double the programme from 150 global mentees to 200!
Open to women aged 18 or over, the programme is designed to promote future leaders in sport and foster greater diversity within the sporting industry, as advocated by SIGA’s Universal Standards on Good Governance. Teaching vital leadership skills and creating invaluable experiences, the eight-month programme will offer prospective mentees the opportunity to forge relationships with women who have trodden the leadership path, through a combination of group and bilateral digital sessions.
Get inspired, get mentored!
BENEFITS
The eight-month Programme consists of:
- 8 Digital Group Workshops with high-profile guest speakers on topics including:
- Goal Setting
- Leadership & Integrity
- Athletes Transitioning Careers
- Good Governance in Sport
- Sport New Frontiers
- Sexual Harassment & Discrimination in Sport
- Sports Betting & Women’s Sport
- Leading Technology & Innovation in Sport
- Pairing with one of the #SIGAWomen Global Mentors for up to 6 bilateral sessions
- Complimentary Digital Pass to the Summit on Female Leadership in Sport
- Complimentary digital participation in SIGA’s flagship thought leadership event, Sport Integrity Week, including access to the in-person #WoW Lounge
- Access to high-profile global senior leaders in sport
- Opportunity to network with global peers and build long-lasting professional relationships across the industry
- Opportunity to apply for an internship at SIGA
- Digital Certificate
Apply now to secure your place on the 2026 Programme!
The programme is open to women aged 18 and over. To apply, please complete the Mentee Application Form and upload your CV.
COSTS
For those in full-time employment, a symbolic administrative fee of £300.00 will be charged for participation in the Programme. This fee may be paid either by the Mentee or by their employer.
All funds are reinvested into the #SIGAWomen Programme to further advance gender equity in the boardrooms of sports organisations.
Please note that the administrative fee is exclusive of bank charges, which are payable by the mentee. SIGA does not offer refunds for applications.
PROCESS
An independent jury will review and assess all applications and match selected mentees with their respective mentors.
Have you pierced the gender glass ceiling in sport and would like to join our global community of #SIGAWomen mentors? Contact siga.mentorship@siga-sport.com with your CV.
The Characteristics of #SIGAWomen Mentors
- A Winning Mindset: Resilient
Does not accept no for an answer. Adapts to her environment to stay relevant in a changing world. Focused on delivery and results and unwavering in the goals she has chosen.
- Creating a Legacy
Committed to creating leadership lanes for young women to make their pathway better for future generations in sport.
- Thought Leader
Leads by developing innovative ways to inspire a cultural change in the industry.
- Diversity & Inclusion
Passionate about diversity and inclusion and creates opportunities for those less represented.
- Spirit of initiative
Does not wait to be asked. Assumes responsibility and ownership. Transforms adversity into opportunity.
- Integrity
Highest ethical conduct. Lives and works in a code of teamwork, fair play, and respect.
- U-Matter
Treats everyone with courtesy and gives the people that work with her a purpose to motivate them and bring out the best in them for the benefit of the team and wider goals.
- Belief
Self-belief. She exudes confidence in who she is and the changes she can make in the world.
Meet the #SIGAWomen Global Mentors
Statement from Katie Simmonds, Chair, SIGAWomen
“It is a pleasure, passion and duty as a female in the sports industry to lead the SIGA Global Female Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Female Leaders in Sport. The high calibre of Global Mentors, from a diverse cross-section of the industry, shows that this movement is not only gaining traction but is needed. The current status quo of gender balance in the board room of sports organisations is simply not good enough. If we are to increase this, as women working in the industry, we have a responsibility to help the next generation of female leaders. Networking, exchanging valuable practical lessons and tips, as well as offering reassurance and confidence to the next in line is exactly what the programme is about. If you have smashed the glass ceiling, take a step forward and join us!”
SIGAWomen Legacy Campaign
Mentorship Starts With You
Empower Her Future. Leave Your Legacy.
Mentorship is at the heart of SIGAWomen’s mission to accelerate gender equity and integrity in sport. Through the SIGAWomen Mentorship Programme, we are shaping a global network of women leaders who are driving meaningful change — in sport, business, and society.
Now, you can play a direct role in this transformation.
By sponsoring a SIGAWomen scholarship, you’re giving an aspiring leader the opportunity to join our global mentoring community, gain access to world-class expertise, and unlock her full potential.
How It Works
Each scholarship costs £300 and supports one mentee through the full SIGAWomen Mentorship Programme experience.
To make an even greater impact, we’ve created special bundle options with progressive discounts that grow with your level of support:
- Sponsor 1 scholarship place – £300
- Sponsor 3 places – £810 (10% off)
- Sponsor 6 places – £1,530 (15% off)
- Sponsor 10 places – £2,400 (20% off)
- Sponsor 20 places – £4,500 (25% off)
- Sponsor 50 places – £10,500 (30% off)
All sponsors will be featured in a global social media campaign celebrating those who are leaving their legacy in the industry.
Why It Matters
Your contribution directly empowers women from diverse backgrounds and regions who may not otherwise have access to mentorship, leadership training, and global networking opportunities.
Every sponsorship helps create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for women in sport.
Get Involved
Mentorship starts with you.
Support one or more mentees today and be part of the movement that’s changing the face of sport.
If you are a brand, sports organisation or individual passionate about investing in gender equity sponsor a mentee or more.
