LiiKe – Sports & Development the Latest to Sign Historic Commitment to Gender Equity at Global Summit

Finnish non-governmental organisation LiiKe – Sports & Development (Finland) has joined a global movement of over 700 organisations by committing to the International Working Group (IWG) on Women & Sport's Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. The official signing took place in person at the IWG Global Summit in Birmingham on 10 July 2026.

By becoming a signatory, LiiKe reaffirms its core belief that physical activity is a fundamental human right and a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. Engaging with the IWG's "network of networks," LiiKe is turning words into action, working to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, disability, or background, has equal opportunities to thrive in sport.

LiiKe's commitment to gender equity is exemplified by its "Empowered Girls Speak Out" initiative. Operating across 100 lower secondary schools in Tanzania, this sport based health education project tackles systemic barriers to education, including poverty, early pregnancies, child marriage, and harmful attitudes.

Through "Inclusive Girls' Action Clubs," the programme uses physical activity to teach human rights, sexual and reproductive health, and vital life skills. The impact is already proven: a successful pilot programme involving nine schools saw girls' pass rates in national secondary exams surge from 9% to 51% over just five years.

In its home country of Finland, LiiKe continues to power change through the "Kestävästi Liikkeelle!" (Moving Sustainably) project. This initiative equips Finnish sports professionals and students with the knowledge to connect physical activity with global challenges, strengthening the sports sector's commitment to the UN's Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ari Koivu, Executive Director of LiiKe, highlighted the organisation's natural alignment with the Declaration's 10 Principles:

"Gender equity is one of the main focuses of LiiKe in all the countries it operates. We cannot see any reason why not to be committed to this equity."

To ensure sustainable change, the project actively engages boys, teachers, and community members as allies. Currently, at least 200 teachers are being trained to build inclusive, girl and disability friendly school environments.

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

"We are thrilled to welcome LiiKe to our global movement. LiiKe's dedication to using sport as a catalyst for human rights perfectly embodies the spirit of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. By sharing their vital insights with our network, they will play a crucial role in our collective mission to level the playing field and drive lasting, international equity for women and girls in sport."