International Women's Day: 8 sporting stories for #IWD2025

Women's sports continue to make strides worldwide, with events and initiatives promoting participation, leadership, and inclusivity. From marathon competitions to grassroots football festivals, these efforts empower female athletes and communities. The Nagoya Women's Marathon unveils its elite lineup, while Afghan women cricketers receive vital refugee support. In the Pacific, research explores sports leadership opportunities for women. Meanwhile, Chengdu prepares to host the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series opener, and a new toolkit advances disability inclusion in sports. Finally, grassroots programs in Bangladesh and Africa introduce young girls to football and recreational sports, fostering a more inclusive sporting future.

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Nagoya Women's Marathon 2025 Announces Invited Athletes List

The Nagoya Women's Marathon 2025 has released its list of invited athletes, featuring top female marathoners from around the world. The annual event, known for its competitive field and inclusive spirit, aims to promote women’s long-distance running while inspiring future athletes.

Afghan Women’s Team Gets Support from Global Refugee Cricket Fund

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) launched a global refugee cricket fund, initially supporting Afghanistan's exiled women cricketers. With £1 million in fundraising goals, the initiative provides training, education, and career pathways, filling the gap left by the ICC’s lack of funding for the Afghan women's team.

Pacific Women in Sports Leadership Scoping Research Launch

A new research initiative examines the state of women's leadership in Pacific sports, identifying challenges and opportunities. The findings will guide policies to strengthen female representation in sports leadership, fostering gender equality across the region.

Chengdu to Host FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2025 Season Opener

Chengdu, China, will host the opening event of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2025 season. This selection highlights the city's growing basketball reputation, drawing elite teams and promoting 3x3 basketball on a global scale.

Women Win Release Toolkit for Advancing Disability Inclusion in Sport-Based Life Skills Programs

Women Win has launched "Everyone’s Game," a toolkit for making sports more inclusive for women and girls with disabilities. It offers practical strategies to overcome accessibility barriers and foster leadership in sports-based life skills programs.

Empowering Communities Through Sport: SHI/SFJ Program Transforms Lives in Bangladesh

The SHI/SFJ Community Sports Program in Bangladesh has benefited 631 individuals, including 420 girls and 57 people with disabilities. By creating inclusive sports clubs, the initiative promotes rights awareness and strengthens social cohesion in marginalized communities.

Over 150 Young Girls Introduced to Football Through the CAF Grassroots Festival

CAF, alongside the Tanzania Football Federation, hosted a grassroots festival introducing over 150 girls under 13 to football. Aligned with the CAF Girls Integrated Football Tournament, the event supports CAF’s goal of expanding women’s football development in Africa.

For Iraqi para-athlete, ‘sports isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity’

For Zainab Al-Eqabi, sports became a lifeline after losing her leg at the age of seven, but it wasn’t until college that she truly discovered its power as a tool for personal empowerment. Today, she champions sports as a vital means for societal change and inclusion.

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