Monte Carlo: The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will elect its first female vice president (VP) this year as it continues its efforts to ensure that women are represented at the highest levels of the sport. As part of the widespread reforms adopted by the IAAF Congress at the end of 2016, the federation has added minimum gender targets into its constitution to establish parity at all levels in the sport’s governance.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, six women currently sit on the IAAF Council. That number will increase to seven at this year’s elections in September, and to 10 in 2023, before reaching parity with male Council members in 2027. Following the election of the first female vice president at this year’s IAAF Congress, two of the four vice president positions will be filled by women in 2027,” the IAAF statement said.
“On International Women’s Day, I am absolutely delighted to reinforce our commitment to gender balance in the governance structures of our sport. I formed our Gender Leadership Taskforce because I want to encourage more women into our sport and to provide the pathway and programmes to allow them to do that,” IAAF President Sebastian Coe said.
