FAME Foundation Joins Global Movement for Gender Equity at IWG Summit

The FAME Foundation for Girls and Women Empowerment has become the latest organisation to commit to the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, joining the world's largest network dedicated to advancing gender equity in movement, physical activity, and sport.

By becoming a signatory, the Nigeria based NGO joins a global movement of over 700 organisations committed to creating a fairer and more inclusive sporting future. The official signing took place in person on 11 July 2026, during the quadrennial IWG Global Summit in Birmingham.

For the FAME Foundation, signing the Declaration is a vital step in connecting their grassroots advocacy with global standards of best practice.

Through their flagship "PLAY It DREAM It" initiative, the organisation uses sport as a vehicle for gender equality, redefining the sports pitch as a classroom. The initiative blends physical activity with mentorship and life skills training, equipping participants with foundational tools such as self advocacy, financial literacy, and informed decision making.

To date, this curriculum driven programme has catalysed positive change for over 20,000 girls and women across 20 states in Nigeria. Recognising that true equity requires systemic change, the organisation also actively includes boys in 30% of its programming to foster a culture of mutual respect, and proactively engages parents and caregivers through workshops focused on child rights.

Arabinrin Aderonke, Founder and Executive Director of the FAME Foundation, said:

"We believe sport is a powerful way to change lives and ensure every child has the same opportunities to grow and lead. Becoming a signatory to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration strengthens our promise to break down barriers and build a truly fair and inclusive space for all our participants."

The FAME Foundation's impact is particularly transformative in high risk environments, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where they deliver crucial development opportunities to marginalised children.

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

"We are delighted to welcome the FAME Foundation as a signatory to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Their vital work utilising sport to educate and protect the most vulnerable children perfectly reflects the core principles of the Declaration, and we're proud to have been able to celebrate their impact at the IWG Global Summit in 2026."