EVGC project gets underway with kick-off meeting at home of European Volleyball

The partners of the EmpowHER Volleyball Game Changer (EVGC) programme came together on February 13-14 at the home of European Volleyball in Luxembourg for a kick-off meeting setting the tone for the ambitious and extensive work that lies ahead. 

The EmpowHER Volleyball Game Changer (EVGC) project, led by CEV and co-funded by the European Union, aims to advance gender equality in sports leadership. In partnership with the EOC EU Office, the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE), and the national Volleyball federations of Albania, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, and Sweden, it will identify barriers, develop policies, provide training, and foster mentorship to empower women in Volleyball. This initiative reinforces the CEV’s commitment to inclusivity and securing a lasting change in the sport.

“Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) was the quote chosen to start the meeting and introduce the approach of the project before discussing the programme’s objectives, structure, and implementation.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation of the project’s inspiration and mission, emphasising the need to bridge the gender gap in Volleyball leadership. While the sport is widely recognised for gender balance on the court and in terms of practitioners, girls exceed boys in a variety of countries, women remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles. The EVGC project aims to change this by providing concrete opportunities for women to advance into leadership positions through training, mentorship, and policy development.

Throughout the session, the partners’ delegates were introduced to the specific timeline, key milestones, and expected outcomes of the project. Responsibilities were outlined for each organisation to ensure a smooth implementation and delivery. 

A key part of the meeting was an interactive discussion where participants, coming from diverse professional backgrounds, shared insights and recommendations on the project’s approach. This exchange of ideas helped refine the strategy and define the next steps, ensuring that EVGC is tailored to meet the real needs of women in Volleyball governance.

With a strong foundation set, the EVGC project is now moving forward with a clear roadmap, reinforcing the CEV’s commitment to a more inclusive and representative future for women in sports leadership. Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses!