Commonwealth Sport empowering next-generation women leaders

Commonwealth Sport is continuing its commitment to champion equal opportunity and empower the next generation of women in leadership through the launch of its Women Leaders Programme for 2024/2025.

The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme (CWLP) is providing a powerful platform for the support and guidance in the personal development of 16 women aspiring to assume future leadership roles in the sports industry.

The barrier-breaking programme is providing these aspiring women with a £5,000 scholarship, mentoring support and guidance to tailor their leadership journey and access to a community and online resources, with the goal of transforming equality of opportunity across the Commonwealth Sport Movement.

Ellen Barwise, Director of Development & CGA Relationships at Commonwealth Sport, said, “The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme represents a powerful platform for championing equal opportunity and empowering women in leadership across our Commonwealth sporting communities.

“As we welcome this new cohort of scholarship recipients and international mentors, we are reminded of the vital role they will play in shaping the future of sport – breaking barriers, inspiring change, and championing equality for generations to come.”

A critical feature of the CWLP is mentorship, with inspirational women across the Commonwealth dedicating time and experience to support the aspiring women leaders and guide their leadership development journey.

This cohort will be guided on their leadership journey under the global expertise of Barbara Daniels and Sarah McQuade. Each scholarship recipient has also been paired with a distinguished international mentor, ensuring personalised guidance and support throughout the programme.

Daniels and McQuade, who have extensive experience in running leadership courses designed especially for women, lead the programme and ensure that they create a safe space for women to connect, network, share and explore their leadership development. Their personalised approach to the programme creates an opportunity to undertake a personal development plan that empowers the participants to grow as leaders in their sport and community.

“Barbara and I are excited to lead this impactful Women’s Leaders Programme for the Commonwealth Sport, focusing on elevating the profile and presence of women leaders in sport,” said McQuade. “The programme is designed to help participants reflect on their cultural contexts and create tailored leadership plans to support their growth as individuals and professionals while driving positive change in their local communities. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to strengthen leadership pathways and advance women’s representation in sports leadership across the Commonwealth.”

Sascha Rea, Operations Manager at Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Association, is one of this year’s mentees.

“I was so pleased to be accepted onto the CWLP 2024, it stood out to me as a great opportunity that has provided so many females the chance to grow and develop in their leadership and roles in sport,” Rea said.

“The support received from Sarah, Barbara and all the Mentors has been so helpful, and I can really see how they are invested in each person’s journey through the programme.

“I look forward to testing my leadership skills throughout the year and participating in this exciting programme that is creating more opportunities for women in the high-performance sporting environment across the Commonwealth.”

Rea’s Mentor is Prof Esther Akinlabi, an international mentor in the Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders programme since 2023. Her experience in this field is invaluable.

“It’s been a wonderful experience for me to be a part of the Commonwealth Women Leaders Programme as a mentor,” said Akinlabi. “Looking back to my first meeting with my mentee to the phenomenal growth and maturity that I saw after a few months in the programme, the level of empowerment is amazing and this gives me a great joy. Thanks to the Commonwealth Sport for such a great project.”

The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme is open to all female leaders in the sports industry, including coaches, administrators, executives, officials, and others, who demonstrate a need for support and show a commitment to promoting equality within their communities and the Commonwealth Sport Movement.