Top ten quotes from the IWG World Conference on Women and Sport

On 17-20 March, an international audience was treated to a packed schedule of keynote speeches, panel discussions and side sessions. Speakers came from a variety of sectors to share their knowledge and inspire those in Botswana. Here are some of the best quotes from the country’s capital, Gaborone.

“The women – and also some men – invited to the table are usually there because they are acceptable to decision makers. We need to disrupt that cycle and appoint those who will speak out.” – Annamarie Phelps, Vice Chairperson of the British Olympic Association

“Activism is about bringing about change. If a woman becomes a coach in an organisation where all other coaches are men, that is a form of activism.” – Lombe Mwambwa, Secretary General of the National Organisation for Women in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation (NOWSPAR)

 “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being invited to dance.” – Karen Morrison, Americas Representative on the International Working Group on Women and Sport (original quote from Vernā Myers, President of the Vernā Myers Company)

“My strength comes from my team and my family. They let me be what I was, let me be happy.” – Caster Semenya, Olympic 800m Gold Medalist (2012 and 2016)

“Doing the right thing is not the problem; knowing about the right thing is, and that’s the challenge.” – Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee

Sport has given me the opportunity to prove that I can become anyone that I aspire to be." – Phiona Mutesi, Ugandan Chess Player

"I have had my ideas dismissed because I am a woman... I used that mistreatment as fuel to make a difference in women’s football." – Sarai Bareman, Chief Women’s Football Officer at FIFA

"As soon as anyone asks a question about women's cricket, everyone looks at me... I want them to look at each other." – Holly Colvin, Women’s Cricket Officer at the International Cricket Council.

“Identify your male allies... But choose your men carefully – some will say they support you but don’t do much at all.” – Dr. Anita White, International Working Group on Women and Sport Founding Member

“Numbers and statistics are important –  we need more women at the top –  but more than that, we need a change in culture, a gender-sensitive mindset.” – Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva, Director for Innovation, International Cooperation and Sport at DG EAC at the European Commission