Trinity College Dublin’s pioneering ‘Women in Sport’ campaign has been recognised on the world stage with the 2025 FISU Gender Equality Project Award, a prestigious honour presented by the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) at its General Assembly in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The award celebrates outstanding initiatives that advance gender equality and inclusion in university sport globally. Trinity’s success reflects a transformative two-year journey driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a more inclusive sporting environment.

Launched in 2024, Trinity’s ‘Women in Sport’ campaign is a university-wide initiative underpinned by Trinity Sport’s strategy ‘Realising Potential: A Strategy for Sport at Trinity 2022–2026’ and aligned with Sport Ireland’s national Women in Sport policy. Its four-pillar approach—Leadership & Governance, Active Participation, Coaching & Officiating, and Visibility & Media Coverage—has already delivered notable progress.

Accepting the award in Düsseldorf, Trinity Sport’s Niamh Digby Bratton, Clubs Operations & Development Manager, pictured below, said:

“This is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff and stakeholders. We’ve seen a real impact—from increased visibility of our female student-athletes to growing leadership and development opportunities. As we enter the final year of the campaign, we’re energised to build on what we’ve achieved.”

Key Achievements to Date

Leadership & Governance

  • Female representation on the Trinity Sport Union Executive has grown from 38% to 52%, ensuring women have a stronger voice in shaping the university’s sporting landscape.

Active Participation

  • 55% of sports club members at Trinity are now women.
  • Social sport participation among women surged by 71% in 2024.
  • Trinity Sport Centre now supports 8,000 female members.

Coaching & Officiating

  • Female social sport activators increased from 2 to 11 in 2024.
  • Eight students earned accreditation through the SSI Women’s Student Coaching Academy.

Visibility & Media Coverage

  • A 12% rise in women’s sport coverage on Trinity Sport’s website.
  • A 27% increase in women’s sport content across Trinity’s social media channels.

“We are very proud of the FISU Gender Equality Award and the recognition of the remarkable impact that the Trinity ‘Women in Sport’ campaign has had,” said Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity.

“It is a testament to the vision, dedication and collaborative effort of the Trinity Sport team. This Award highlights the importance of showcasing best practice projects and the staff and students who champion equality and opportunity in sport every day.”

“Being awarded the FISU Gender Equality Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Lisa Cafferky, Student Sport Pathway Manager.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our staff, students and coaches, and the genuine progress we’ve made in creating a more inclusive sporting environment. What makes this especially meaningful is the acknowledgement of our work not only in gender equality but also in sustainability and the potential for international replication.”

“Sport at Trinity is about inclusion, leadership and belonging,” added Dr Linda Doyle Trinity Provost. “It’s inspiring to see the campaign recognised internationally for embodying those values.”

 

 

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WHAT’S UP NEXT?

Sport for Business is in planning for a number of major events bringing together leaders in Irish Sport and Business across a range of subjects in the second half of the year.

On Thursday, August 29th we will host a special event looking at Future Proofing Irish Sport including the use of AI in sport. Then in September we will host our Annual Children in Sport Conference, in October, our Annual Sport for Social Good Event, in November a new event focused on Sustainability in Sport and in December our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference.

Find out More about Our Sport for Business Events Programme Here

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