British Fencing Joins Global Movement to Advance Gender Equity in Sport

L to R Back row BF Chair Dr Sara Pantuliano CMG, BF CEO Georgina Usher MBE, Front row BF President Pat Aiyenuro BEM, Secretary General of IWG Women and Sport Lisa O'Keefe MBE.

British Fencing has officially signed the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, marking a key milestone in its ongoing commitment to tackling gender inequalities within the sport.

By joining a global network of over 700 organisations, British Fencing is taking action to drive meaningful change, share international best practices, and foster inclusive environments for women and girls in fencing.

This work is a strategic priority, with the organisation's En Garde for the Future 2030 strategy ensuring they tackle the physical activity gap through five key pillars that include participation and sustainable change.

A key focus is on tackling the coaching gender gap. Recognising there are still barriers to women participating in coach education, British Fencing has launched a grant scheme to support more women entering and progressing through the coaching pathway. The initiative removes practical barriers by covering essential course expenses, including travel, evening meals, and overnight accommodation. To support these women, British Fencing is also increasing the availability of female fit specific coaching equipment in the UK.

Prioritising intersectional equity, the grant scheme applies a higher weighting to applications from women in ethnically diverse communities, individuals with a disability, and those from lower socio economic backgrounds.

Pat Aiyenuro BEM, President of British Fencing, Chair of the European Fencing Confederation (EFC) Equality & Diversity Commission, member of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Executive Committee, and herself a coach in her local club, signed the Declaration on behalf of British Fencing. She underscored the critical need for visible leadership:

"We know how powerful it is for women and young girls to see other women coaching at their clubs, providing strong role models and empowering other women to participate. It is vital that we continue this positive action to support women to enter and develop through our coaching pathway. By bringing more women into the workforce, we open the door for them to explore other roles, such as refereeing and leadership, whether at club, national or international federation level."

Dr Sara Pantuliano CMG, Chair of British Fencing, officially witnessed the signing of the Declaration and said:

"I'm delighted to witness the signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration as British Fencing joins the global network of organisations supporting Women in Sport. Increasing opportunities for Women and Girls is one of the five pillars of our 2030 Strategy and the Board remains committed and focused on delivering against this."

Georgina Usher MBE, CEO of British Fencing and member of the FIE Women in Fencing Council, was second witness to the signing and said:

"Alongside our commitment to increase our female coaching workforce, BF continues to support and grow other programmes to support female participation, such as Muslim Girls Fence and our new project, Swords after Surgery, for women recovering from breast cancer surgery."

Lisa O'Keefe, Secretary General of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, welcomed the commitment:

"The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration is built on the premise that collective action drives the most meaningful change. British Fencing's proactive strategy is an inspiring example of this principle in action."