Trinity College Dublin has been recognised on the global stage after Trinity Sport won the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Gender Equality Project Award for its pioneering “Women in Sport” campaign.
The honour was formally presented at the FISU General Assembly in Düsseldorf, and celebrated back in Dublin last night at a reception hosted by Provost Linda Doyle in the Provost’s House.
The award acknowledges exceptional initiatives in university sport that advance gender equality, with Trinity’s campaign standing out for its strategic depth, measurable impact, and clear alignment with both national and international policy goals.
Launched in 2024 and embedded within Trinity Sport’s wider “Realising Potential” strategy, the initiative focuses on four pillars: leadership and governance, active participation, coaching and officiating, and improved visibility for women’s sport across the university. Its outcomes have been significant.
Female representation on the Trinity Sport Union Executive has risen to 52%, women now account for 55% of sports club membership, and participation in social sport by women increased by more than 70% last year.
The number of female activators and coaches has also expanded substantially, supported in part through pathways such as the SSI Women’s Student Coaching Academy.
Speaking at last night’s celebration, Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin, praised the collective effort behind the achievement.
“We are very proud of the FISU Gender Equality Award,” she said. “It is a testament to the vision, dedication, and collaborative effort of the Trinity Sport team, our students, and the wider university community who have driven this campaign forward. Winning on the international stage reinforces that the work happening here at Trinity is meaningful, evidence-based, and making a real difference.”
Provost Doyle welcomed representatives from Trinity Sport, student leaders, club captains, coaches, and partners to the Provost’s House for the occasion, noting that the award reflects Trinity’s commitment to creating an environment where all students can thrive through sport. The reception marked both a celebration of progress and a moment of reflection on the continued work required to deepen gender equality in sport.
The FISU Gender Equality Project Award is one of the most respected recognitions available to university sports programmes globally, acknowledging innovation, effectiveness, and long-term impact. Trinity’s success positions the university as a leader in this area and gives it a platform from which to share its approach internationally.
While the accolade is significant, Tanner emphasised that the campaign remains a work in progress. The focus now shifts to sustaining momentum, expanding pathways for women in coaching, student leadership and participation, and further improving visibility for women’s sport across campus.
Image Credit: Sport for Business
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Women in Sport
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