Bangladesh Women’s Sports Federation Joins Global Movement for Gender Equity in Sport

The Bangladesh Women’s Sports Federation has officially signed the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, stepping up to join a global network of over 700 organisations united in their dedication to advancing gender equity in movement, physical activity, and sport.

By becoming a signatory, the organisation is publicly reiterating its commitment to equity directly to national policymakers, sports leaders, and the international community.

To mark the milestone, the Federation will bring together federation leaders, press, and representatives from the Bangladesh Olympic Committee, the military, the foreign office, and the British High Commission for the signing event. The hope is that the signing can act as a catalyst for wider change across the nation.

Operating as a multi-sports federation in a conservative country, the organisation is committed to discovering and nurturing the sporting talent of girls in rural Bangladesh.

They drive impactful change by facilitating vital training opportunities, bridging the gap between various sports federations and female athletes, and advocating for safe and equitable sports nationwide. To ensure athlete welfare, they have also established a dedicated female-led committee designed to address and redress safety grievances.

The Federation is particularly proud to partner with the Bangladesh National Sports Training Institute (BKSP). Together, they provide comprehensive preparation programmes and full-board dormitory accommodations for around 100 female athletes seeking annual admission to this premier sports institute.

Sarwat Siraj, President of the Bangladesh Women's Sports Federation, emphasised the importance of the milestone commitment:

"Equality is not a favour – it is the foundation of sporting excellence. As an IWG signatory, the Bangladesh Women's Sports Federation pledges to champion every woman and girl who dares to dream, compete, and lead."

Lisa O’Keefe, Co-Chair of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, welcomed the Federation into the global network, stating:

"We are thrilled to see the Bangladesh Women’s Sports Federation using their signing event to encourage other national stakeholders to join the movement, and proud to support their commitment to creating lasting, positive change for

women and girls in sport across Bangladesh."