UN and IOC celebrating women in sport in new 'Breaking Barriers In Sports' exhibition

© IOC

GENERAL UN and IOC celebrating women in sport in new 'Breaking Barriers In Sports' exhibition

Abigael Wafula 13:35 - 19.07.2023

The new collection exhibition has photos featuring women around the world who have contributed to breaking down barriers and stereotypes in sports.

To illustrate the power of sports as a driver of gender equality, the “Breaking Barriers In Sports” photo exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 18 at the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), including portraits contributed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of female role models who are tackling gender inequality in sport, both on and off the field of play.

As reported by the IOC, the new collection exhibition, launched by UNOG in 2022, with photos featuring women around the world who have contributed to breaking down barriers and stereotypes in professions traditionally associated with men.

Representing women from 26 countries, all five continents, and 18 sports, the collection aims to inspire new generations to challenge negative stereotypes.

The breadth of the categories is indicative of the intent to celebrate all those involved in sports, both on and off the field of play. Among those showcased in the photos are athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, community leaders, and media representatives.

Among the new figures highlighted in the exhibition were American Olympic rowing bronze medallist Anita DeFrantz who was the first woman elected as IOC Vice-President and Kirsty Coventry, two-time Olympic champion in swimming from Zimbabwe.  

IOC Executive Board member Nawal El Moutawakel who made history at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1984 when she became the first Moroccan, African, and Muslim woman to win an Olympic gold medal has also made it to the list. 

Other sportswomen featured include American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, Argentina’s Nerea Livoni, South America’s leading female rugby referee, and Seiko Hashimoto, President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.

IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the important role sport can play in promoting positive social change.

“Sports are an incredible platform to showcase women as inspirational role models. In sports, everyone is equal. The Olympic Games bring all people together in peaceful competition without discrimination.

The women and their personal stories in this exhibition are perfect examples of this potential becoming a reality,” said President Bach.