G100: Empowering women through sports leadership and global advocacy

Introducing the G100 Sports Empowerment and Championships Wing

Among the specialized wings of G100, the Sports Empowerment and Championships Wing stands as a beacon of advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment for women in sports. Led by the visionary African leader from Lesotho, Ms. Mapulane Phohleli, the wing unites a diverse collective of female leaders, athletes, and advocates from around the world. These women, drawn from various disciplines and backgrounds, share a common mission: to harness the transformative power of sports to foster gender equality, promote Olympic values, and drive societal change in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their efforts aim to create a lasting global impact, ensuring that women are not just participants but also leaders who inspire future generations toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

Operating across 27 countries, with ambitions to expand to 100, the wing serves as a powerhouse for innovative ideas and impactful initiatives. Membership is by invitation only, non-political, and non-religious. Its focus is on creating opportunities for women to participate, lead, and excel in all aspects of sports, from grassroots activities to elite championships. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy campaigns, and capacity-building programs, the wing addresses the structural and cultural barriers that hinder women’s progress in sports.

At the heart of its mission is the involvement of He for She champions, male allies who play a critical role in amplifying the wing’s vision. These allies collaborate with international organizations, governments, and community leaders to develop actionable strategies that empower women and promote inclusion through sports. This approach integrates diverse perspectives and fosters partnerships across sectors, ensuring the initiatives are sustainable and impactful. The G100 Sports Empowerment and Championships Wing emphasizes sports as a catalyst for social change, highlighting its role in breaking stereotypes, building confidence, and creating pathways for leadership and economic empowerment. Through its work, the wing not only advocates for equal opportunities but also demonstrates the broader societal benefits of empowering women through sports, inspiring a global movement toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Key initiatives of the Sports Empowerment and Championships Wing

The dual approach of global advocacy paired with localized action ensures that G100’s efforts are both far-reaching and deeply impactful, creating opportunities for women and girls across diverse contexts.

• Leadership Development: Empowering women through localized programs that focus on sports governance, coaching, and hands-on practice. These initiatives aim to build a pipeline of confident and capable women leaders in the sports sector.
• Advocacy in the Field of Sport for Development: Promoting sports as a tool for social and economic development by raising awareness and implementing projects that address pressing issues, from gender inequality to youth empowerment.
• Inclusive Sports Access: Facilitating local partnerships to improve infrastructure and provide training opportunities for girls in underserved communities. By transferring best practices and fostering knowledge-sharing, the wing ensures that inclusivity becomes a cornerstone of sports development globally.

Olympians, para-athletes, and rally driver in the wing

The G100 Sports Empowerment Wing gains unmatched credibility and expertise through the inclusion of Olympians, para-athletes, and rally drivers. These trailblazers, who have overcome significant challenges, are not only role models but fierce advocates for women’s progress in sports. The wing also unites coaches, managers, marketers, and other influential women in sports, forming a powerful network to drive change. Together, they are breaking down barriers, championing inclusion, and creating opportunities for women to lead. By confronting systemic inequalities, the G100 wing is rewriting the narrative of women’s impact on social sustainability, ensuring that women lead the way in both sports and broader societal changes.

Tina Trstenjak, Olympic Judo Champion (Rio 2016) and Eastern Region Chair of Slovenia, shares her perspective on the movement: “As an athlete, I’ve experienced how judo can unite and inspire. In my new career as an International Judo Federation Refereeing Supervisor and Academy Expert, I am committed to teaching and empowering others. Through G100, we are breaking barriers and building a global network where every girl and woman has the opportunity to excel and lead.”

Patricia Pita Gago, a South American Elite Rally Driver and the first Uruguayan woman in the Dakar Rally, highlights the wing’s grassroots impact: “As the first woman from Uruguay to compete in the Dakar Rally, I’ve seen firsthand how sports can break barriers and empower women. Motorsport, traditionally dominated by men, has challenged me to redefine stereotypes and create opportunities for women in my field. Through my journey, I’ve learned the value of resilience, teamwork, and breaking boundaries — not only in racing but in life. My goal is to inspire more women to step into leadership roles, using sports as a tool for empowerment, equality, and development. Together, we can create lasting change and open doors for future generations. Together we thrive.”

Tasneem Fatima, India Country Chair and Wheelchair Basketball and Table Tennis Athlete:“Sport for development has transformed my life and the way I view inclusive change. As the founder and president of the Delhi State Wheelchair Basketball Association, I’ve seen firsthand how sports empower individuals with disabilities, giving them confidence, purpose, and independence. My vision is to help para-athletes gain the recognition and support they deserve, creating a more inclusive environment for them through collaborations, seminars, and exchange programs.”

Dr. Slaviša Bradić, The Denim Club He-for-She Champion:”My realisation of the value of life occurred the moment my judo journey aligned with my inner aspirations in life. Sport has given me a perspective on the world, allowing me to understand true life values by seeing people in environments unimaginable to the Western way and standard of living, enjoying lives filled with happiness and contentment. It is clear that spirituality, happiness, and contentment are contrary to the materialistic understanding of life. This is why I support the G100; co-creating a sustainable, progressive world by empowering millions of women worldwide through gender equity, economic empowerment, and inclusion for all. We do not need to abandon our way of life; it is enough to recognise our talents and gifts and express them, and not stray from that path regardless of obstacles. Let the obstacle on the path become part of the path.”

About G100

G100 is an influential group of 100 women leaders from around the world, spanning 100 wings and sectors. This structure enables powerful advocacy, awareness, and impact across governments and global organizations, supported by He for She champions and 100 country clubs in each wing. Its ultimate goal is to achieve a gender-equal future within this decade. At its core, G100 has a bold vision: to create a world where women thrive and progress in an inclusive environment. Its mission complements this ambition by addressing systemic gender gaps, advocating for safety and empowerment, and striving to achieve gender parity. Each G100 wing tailors its initiatives to specific goals within its sector, ensuring a global impact while addressing local challenges and fostering meaningful, lasting change.

He for She Champions in Support of Denim

The G100 is proudly supported by The Denim Club, a global network of He for She Champions—leaders from business, politics, and corporations—united in advocating for gender parity and equality. These champions commit to advancing women’s leadership, increasing C-suite representation, and supporting female founders. Why ‘Denim’? Denim symbolizes strength, solidarity, and the inclusive conversations necessary for a balanced, equitable future. With the G100 Global Chair, Denim Club members collaborate to develop policy recommendations that empower millions of women worldwide, driving gender equity, economic empowerment, and inclusion for all. Membership is by invitation only, non-political, and non-religious. Through mutual empowerment and joint action, we are co-creating a sustainable, progressive world for everyone. 

Discover the presentation of the Country Chairs here: https://www.g100.in/country-chairs-sports-empowerment-championships-wing/

Further info

• Contact Ms Mapulane Phohleli, Global Chair at: [email protected]
• Contact the author, Ms Špela Lampe Cakići, Slovenia Country Chair at [email protected]