This Girl Can Commits to Systemic Change at 2026 Global Summit

The International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport is proud to welcome This Girl Can to its global "network of networks," joining over 700 organisations dedicated to advancing equity and equality for women and girls in movement, physical activity, and sport.

The official signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration took place on 9 July 2026, during the IWG Global Summit in Birmingham. The commitment was formalised by Phil Smith, Executive Director of the Sporting System at Sport England, at the end of a day which saw the This Girl Can team deliver a powerful Shift Session on How Change Really Happens.

By becoming a signatory, the pioneering movement publicly reinforces its commitment to real, measurable impact. Created by Sport England and powered by National Lottery funding, This Girl Can has spent the past 11 years dismantling the emotional, practical, and systemic barriers that hold many women back from participating in movement, physical activity, and sport.

Their ethos perfectly aligns with IWG's mission to level the playing field and drive change from the ground up. Through highly visible advertising, strategic marketing, and deep rooted partnerships, they are actively reshaping movement culture so that sport becomes a space where everyone belongs.

Kate Dale, Campaigns Director at This Girl Can, coordinated the signing and shared the movement's motivation for joining the global collective:

"Gender equity is essential to unlocking the full potential of sport. Signing the IWG Helsinki Agreement reflects TGC's commitment to driving meaningful change, championing inclusive opportunities, and supporting collective action to accelerate progress for women and girls in sport."

This Girl Can brings a wealth of innovation and best practice to the wider global community by delivering groundbreaking campaigns that unapologetically shatter stereotypes. Centering intentional inclusion, they ensure women from underrepresented audiences remain at the heart of their decision making.

Crucially, they also advocate for safer participation by confronting systemic barriers to movement. Their initiatives, such as the annual "Let's Lift the Curfew" run, actively challenge harassment and assert that all women and girls deserve the right to be active safely, regardless of the time of day.

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

"We are incredibly proud to welcome This Girl Can to our global network. For over a decade, their campaigns have boldly challenged the status quo and confronted the systemic barriers that prevent women and girls from moving freely and safely. By sharing their insights and fiercely inclusive approach with our international community, they are helping to accelerate our collective mission."