To commemorate International Women’s Sports Day on Wednesday, 14 local authorities in Luxembourg organised a series of activities aimed at highlighting ongoing inequalities in sports.
The event, first launched in France in 2014, was created in response to the persistent disparity in media coverage between men’s and women’s sports. In Luxembourg, the initiative is backed by the National Women’s Council, with the primary goal of raising awareness about gender inequality in sports and promoting women’s participation.
“It’s crucial to encourage young girls,” said Norma Zambon, head of sports for the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette. “They have the same right to be active and take on leadership roles.” Zambon noted that out of 60 sports federations in the country, only five are led by female presidents, and the number of female secretaries remains equally low. “Decision-making positions are still predominantly held by men,” she added.
The inequalities extend beyond leadership roles. For instance, women often receive lower bonuses than men for equivalent achievements in sports. Stereotypes, prejudices, and unevenly distributed responsibilities further discourage women from participating actively. Additionally, women’s sports continue to suffer from significantly lower visibility.
“Local authorities alone cannot resolve these issues,” said Ed Buchette, head of sports for the municipality of Mamer. Buchette emphasised a straightforward message for young girls and women: “Dare to get involved.” She also encouraged individuals to report any obstacles to their local council or sports commission, which can then take appropriate action.
The initiative aims to expand opportunities for women and girls in sports, raise awareness of existing injustices, and challenge harmful stereotypes. Another key objective is to create a safe and inclusive environment by addressing abuse and harassment within sports clubs.
Despite the challenges, progress is being made, according to Simone Beissel, a member of the municipal executive board (“Schäfferot”) of Luxembourg City and the capital’s sports commission. Beissel pointed out that an increasing number of municipalities are recognising the importance of International Women’s Sports Day and participating in related activities.
She noted that an expanded range of offerings motivates more girls and women to engage in sports. “This is a positive development for local authorities,” Beissel said.
The activities organised by participating municipalities were diverse, including film screenings, sports days, and exhibitions. These efforts aim to elevate the visibility of women in sports and inspire greater participation.
