Posted on 29 May 2025
By Pinky Ghadiali, Founder & CEO of Netwomen
This May, we're excited to spotlight a powerful voice in the movement toward gender equality in sports leadership. As part of our new collaboration with Netwomen, we’ve invited Pinky Ghadiali, CEO of Netwomen, to author this month’s blog.
In "Breaking the echo chamber: How Netwomen is paving the way for gender parity in sports", Pinky shares critical insights on the persistent leadership gap in sport and fitness, and how her organisation is driving meaningful change through mentorship, visibility, and strategic partnerships. Her call to action is clear: equity in leadership is not just the right thing - it's essential for a stronger, more inclusive future in sport.
In the evolving world of sport, fitness, and management, women are not only excelling as athletes and coaches but are also emerging as influential leaders and decision-makers.
Yet, despite visible progress, significant gender disparities persist at the highest levels of leadership. To move from the current 23% female representation to true gender parity, organisations need targeted interventions- this is where Netwomen’s mission and expertise become indispensable.
The current landscape - Progress and persistent gaps:
- Boardroom inequality: Over half (53%) of professional sports clubs in the UK have no women on their boards, and only 3% meet the 30% female representation target. Even among National Governing Bodies (NGBs), where compliance with diversity codes is higher, just 23-27% of board members are women, with even fewer in chair or CEO roles.
- Leadership pipeline challenges: Only 26% of CEO positions in NGBs are held by women, and just 12% of sports federations globally have a female president. This underrepresentation at the top means that critical decisions often lack the perspectives of women who understand the unique challenges faced by female athletes, coaches, and fans.
- Coaching and mentorship: Female coaches not only act as role models but are also pivotal in increasing participation and retention among women and girls. Research shows women coached by other women experience less discrimination and are more likely to pursue coaching themselves.
Challenging the sports and fitness echo chamber:
A significant barrier to progress in the industry is the existence of a sports and fitness echo chamber. In many organisations and media circles, narratives and decisions are shaped within environments where only similar perspectives are heard and reinforced, often sidelining diverse voices and experiences. This echo chamber effect perpetuates outdated stereotypes, limits innovation, and restricts opportunities for women to be seen and heard in leadership, coaching, and management roles.
As a result, the contributions and needs of women in sport and fitness are frequently overlooked or underrepresented. This not only affects policy and investment decisions but also influences how women and girls perceive their place in the industry, from grassroots participation to executive leadership.
Netwomen is uniquely positioned to break through this echo chamber by amplifying women’s voices, fostering genuine dialogue, and promoting diverse leadership. By creating inclusive spaces for connection, mentorship, and advocacy, Netwomen ensures that new perspectives are brought to the table-challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change across the sector.
Why the succession pipeline matters:
A robust succession pipeline is the backbone of sustainable gender diversity. Without intentional strategies to attract, develop, and retain female talent at every stage- from grassroots to executive leadership the industry risks perpetuating the status quo.
- Early career support: Identifying and nurturing female talent early ensures a steady flow of future leaders. This includes providing training, mentorship, and challenging assignments that build confidence and competence.
- Role models and visibility: The scarcity of women in senior roles limits the availability of mentors and role models, making it harder for emerging leaders to envision their own progression.
- Organisational performance: Diverse leadership teams drive better decision-making, innovation, and commercial success. Gender-balanced boards are not just a moral imperative; they are a strategic advantage.
It’s not a zero-sum game:
One of the most important truths in this conversation is that increasing female representation is not a zero-sum game. Elevating women into leadership and coaching roles does not mean taking opportunities away from men. Instead, it’s about expanding the talent pool, fostering collaboration, and unlocking the full potential of diverse teams. When women succeed, everyone benefits. We know organisations become more innovative, teams perform better, and the entire industry grows stronger and more resilient.
This approach creates an environment where all voices are valued, and where men and women can work together as allies to drive meaningful, lasting change. By nurturing the succession pipeline for women, we are not diminishing opportunities for others; we are enriching the entire ecosystem of sport and fitness
We need collaboration, we need community, we need more alliances between women’s organisations because we’re all after the same thing: true gender equality. The only way we’ll get there is together.
How Netwomen bridges the gap:
Netwomen is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and accelerate progress toward 50:50 representation:
- Comprehensive development programs: Netwomen offers inclusive leadership training, professional development, and mentorship tailored to women at all career stages. These programs are proven to help women move up the pipeline, from middle management to senior leadership.
- Peer connection and support: Through global networking and peer support, Netwomen fosters a sense of belonging and shared ambition, helping women overcome isolation and build confidence.
- Strategic partnerships: By working with organisations to track progress, set measurable goals, and implement best practices, Netwomen ensures that gender diversity is embedded into the organisational culture and succession planning.
- Role model amplification: Netwomen actively invite senior leaders to act as visible role models, creating a culture of sponsorship and “paying it forward” to the next generation.
The path to 50:50 - From 23% to parity:
Reaching gender parity is not just about hitting a number; it’s about transforming the culture of sport and fitness for the benefit of all. Netwomen’s mission aligns with the urgent need for:
- Intentional, measurable action: Setting clear targets and holding organisations accountable for progress.
- Inclusive leadership: Ensuring women’s voices are present in every decision, from grassroots programming to boardroom strategy.
- Sustainable change: Building a pipeline that supports women at every stage, so the gains of today are not lost tomorrow.
Increasing the influence of women in sport is not only about doing ‘the right thing’; it is the savvy road to both commercial success and building a legacy. Those that grasp the issue the most quickly will make the greatest gains.
Conclusion:
Women are already shaping the future of sport and fitness as athletes, coaches, and managers. But to achieve true equity; 50:50 representation. Organisations must nurture the succession pipeline with intention, investment, and expertise. Netwomen provides the vision, tools, and community to make this transformation possible, ensuring that every talented woman has the opportunity to lead, inspire, and succeed.
Now is the time to champion this mission because when women rise, the entire industry thrives. Remember: it’s not a zero-sum game. When we all work together for equity, everyone wins.
Want to learn more?
Our partnership with Netwomen is just getting started — and we’re excited about what it means for leaders in sport, fitness, and leadership.
If this blog inspired you to take the next step in your professional journey, there’s even more waiting for you. From career acceleration to inclusive leadership development, Netwomen offers expert-led programs and a powerful global network designed to elevate women at every level.
Explore exclusive opportunities through Active IQ and Netwomen, including:
- Heavily discounted access to the Career Accelerator Program (now just £299!)
- Special offers on the Inclusive Leadership Program, open to all
- Networking, mentorship, and community support with thousands of like-minded professionals
- Practical tools to boost your confidence, visibility, and career growth
Don’t miss out — these offers are exclusive to our community and spaces are limited. Find out more and sign up at [email protected] (mention Active IQ for your special discount!).
Together, we’re breaking barriers and building a future where everyone has the chance to lead. Let’s rise — and win — together.