FoStering gender and LGBTQIA+ equity In Sports through an inTERSectional approach is an Erasmus+ Sport project that runs from February 2025 to July 2027.
Gender-based stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination, and violence continue to create inequalities in sports, limiting the participation of women and the LGBTQIA+ community.
SISTERS aims to promote women’s and the LGBTQIA+ community’s full inclusion in sports by advancing equity through an intersectional approach. In this project, the concept of women is understood through a non-binary approach, referring to all individuals who identify as women.
By applying an intersectional approach, SISTERS examines how various identity attributes—such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics (SOGIESC), national origin, immigrant status, socio-economic background, ability or disability, religion, and culture—shape the experiences of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in their opportunities, or lack thereof, to participate in sports in an environment free from discrimination and violence.
For this purpose, five European organizations will collaborate on a four-stage work plan:
1. Research and analysis activities to understand women and the LGBTQIA+ community’s experience in sporting environment and gather best practices for equitable access to sport;
2. Organisation of a training program for sport professionals and young players;
3. Innovative sports tournaments;
4. Involvement of policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure long-term impact.
Objectives
Understand trends, facts, and reasons behind women’s and the LGBTQIA+ community’s inequitable access to sport through an intersectional lens;
Raise capacities of grassroots sport organisations, trainers and players through gendersensitive and intersectionality-informed methods to:
- Advance equity in sport
- Tackle discrimination and violence based on gender and SOGIESC.
Increase awareness among sports professionals, players, organizations, and society about the harmful effects of intersecting forms of discrimination and violence on the full participation of women and the LGBTQIA+ community in sports.
Target groups
Sport trainers active in various sports disciplines and working with players of all ages, including athletic trainers, physiotherapists, storekeepers, and sport teachers in schools.
Sport players including young people participating in sports for recreational purposes, either in clubs, schools, or during their leisure time.
Sports managers who are directly or indirectly involved in the governance and decision-making processes of sports clubs and associations.
Policymakers at local, regional, national level working in youth, sport, or social-related sectors.
Sport practitioners, employed by sports clubs on a professional basis.
Indirect beneficiaries include NGOs focused on youth and well-being, gender equality associations, sport clubs, media, academic institutions, local communities, and EU-level advocacy groups, all contributing to promoting inclusivity and equity in sports.