Women and Sport: The Long Road to Equality

The project raised visibility on an unprecedented scale: over 502,000 people were reached via national and local media, while 13,400 women took part directly in project activities. It mobilised 54 Soroptimist Clubs, engaged 103 municipalities to adopt the Ethical Charter for Women’s Sport, and influenced policymakers at regional and national levels.

Launched in Cortina—host city of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics—the initiative strategically positioned Soroptimists as champions of gender equity in elite and grassroots sport. Italian Clubs hosted public debates, school workshops, inclusive tournaments, and cultural events highlighting the barriers faced by female athletes. A standout action was the successful petitioning of the Italian government to issue a national stamp in honour of Alfonsina Strada, giving nationwide visibility to the project’s message.

The campaign also led to the creation of a powerful fundraising and reintegration programme. In partnership with the fashion house ASPESI and women’s prisons, the Soroptimists produced and sold designer pochettes, raising €20,000 for job training and scholarships. Art exhibitions and cycling events featuring inspirational women athletes further enriched the initiative.

At its core, this project is a model of how strategic advocacy, storytelling, and grassroots mobilisation can increase visibility for Soroptimist values while attracting new audiences and members. With 4,916 hours of volunteer time invested and innovative activities spanning all generations, the Italian Union has demonstrated how sport can be a powerful vehicle for inclusion, empowerment, and institutional change.

Through Women and Sport, the Italian Soroptimists brought their mission to centre stage: expanding networks, inspiring new memberships, and reshaping narratives of what women can achieve.