Commonwealth Secretariat, Scottish Government, and the Ministry of Sport and Arts, Botswana (MOSA) Affirm Global Commitment to Gender Equity

The International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport is proud to announce that the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Scottish Government, and Ministry of Sport and Arts, Botswana (MOSA) jointly signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration during the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Glasgow.

By adding their names to the Declaration, these organisations join a global movement of over 700 signatories.

The principles of the Declaration are closely aligned with the Commonwealth Secretariat's core priorities of advancing gender equity, women's rights, and empowerment across all social, economic, and political spheres.

Through its dedicated Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) programme, the Secretariat continues to position sport as a catalyst for social cohesion and inclusion.

The programme brings together its 56 member countries to share their best practices on how to create equal opportunities, particularly for young people and women and girls.

Speaking on the importance of the declaration, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Hon Shirely Botchwey, stated:

"The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration is a powerful reminder that gender equality in sport is not an aspiration for the future, it is a responsibility for today. When women and girls have equal opportunities to participate, lead and succeed in sport, we strengthen communities, unlock talent, and create a fairer and inclusive Commonwealth for all."

For the Scottish Government, becoming signatory is a vital extension of its vision to create a nation where people are more active, more often. Acknowledging that systemic barriers still impact the health of women and girls, the government is cementing its accountability to tackle the gender gap in participation.

Key initiatives include the flagship Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, which celebrates a decade of driving progress under the #SheCanSheWill banner in 2026, and the Women's Health Plan, the second phase of which was published recently.

Demonstrating the power of partnership, the government also funds sportscotland's highly successful Active Schools and Fit for Girls programmes, which aim to improve accessibility in physical activity for women and girls. Active Schools in particular has made an impressive impact, with close to 50% female participation, it is one of the most gender balanced large scale sporting programmes.

Lauren Hall, the Scottish Government's Equalities in Sport Policy Officer, shared the vision and purpose behind the signing:

"Gender equality is at the heart of the Scottish Government's vision for a fairer Scotland and there is an essential role for sport in helping us achieve our outcomes. I am deeply passionate about improving access to sport for women and girls. I was delighted to make Scotland a signatory to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration to re-affirm our commitment to women and girls and underline our commitment to gender equality in sport and physical activity. We marked this milestone in the margins of Glasgow 2026 at the 12th Commonwealth Sport Ministers Meeting. I encourage wider partners and attendees to similarly showcase their commitment to gender equity in sport and become a signatory to this important document."

For Botswana's Ministry of Sport and Arts (MOSA), the event reaffirms its commitment to advancing safe and inclusive participation for women and girls in sport.

Joining this global network provides MOSA with the opportunity to share Botswana's experiences, strengthen its advocacy, and contribute to collective action.

MOSA supports women and girls through extensive capacity building and mentorship, encouraging greater participation in coaching, officiating, and sport leadership.

The organisation is particularly proud of the Athletes Welfare Programme, which provides sanitary pads and mental health counselling to remove barriers to participation and ensure athlete wellbeing beyond physical performance.

Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, Botswana's Minister of Sport and Arts, had this to say on Botswana's signing:

"The Ministry of Sport and Arts, Botswana is committed to advancing gender equity in sport by creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where women and girls can participate, lead, and thrive. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, we join a global movement working to ensure that sport is fair, accessible, and empowering for all."

Annamarie Phelps, Co Chair of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, welcomed the joint signing:

"We are thrilled to see the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Scottish Government, and MOSA come together to make this formal commitment. Their combined dedication to breaking down systemic barriers and building inclusive environments perfectly embodies the ethos of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Formalising this at the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting sends an important message about the collective action required to level the playing field globally."