In a significant step towards advancing gender equality in sport, Griffith University's Sport and Gender Equity (SAGE) research group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport. This international partnership will foster collaborative research and knowledge exchange, strengthening efforts to empower women and girls through physical education, physical activity, and sport (PEPAS).
The Global Observatory serves as a leading international platform dedicated to promoting gender equality in sport, closing knowledge gaps, and addressing systemic inequities that hinder progress in achieving equal rights for women and girls.
Areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU include joint research on gender equality in sports, capacity-building activities to promote equity in physical education, and the development of policies aimed at sport organisations and government bodies. The partnership will also focus on resource mobilisation to support collaborative projects and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
In addition to these collaborative efforts, members of SAGE have been invited to contribute their expertise by serving on the Advisory Council and the Expert Group of the Global Observatory. As part of the Expert Group, SAGE researchers will offer technical advice on feminist methodologies and theories, playing a key role in shaping the future of gender equality in global sports.
Associate Professor Adele Pavlidis, the Research Seminar Series Convenor for SAGE, shared her excitement about the partnership:
"This MOU presents a unique opportunity to expand the impact of our research beyond Australia, and to work alongside global experts who share our vision of gender equality in and through sport. The collaborative and wide-reaching impact of our online seminar series played a pivotal role in gaining the attention of the Global Observatory, and we are excited to contribute our expertise to this international effort."
Professor Simone Fullagar, Chair of SAGE, recently visited the Global Observatory in Switzerland to discuss areas of collaboration for greater impact:
"Our research at Griffith University on gender equity and sport will contribute to the growing international focus on mobilising knowledge for change through this collaboration with the Global Observatory network. We are joining forces to address key issues such as gender– based violence in and through sport."
The partnership will also see the exchange of academic outputs, datasets, and research products between the two organisations, strengthening Griffith University's international profile as a leader in gender and sport research.
The MOU highlights Griffith University's ongoing commitment to leading cutting-edge research that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has real-world applications in shaping a more equitable future for women and girls through sport.
