Advancing GEDI across World Rowing
The workshop opened with an update from Jacomine Ravensbergen, Chair of the GEDI Cross-Commission and member of the World Rowing Council, who highlighted the progress made across the organisation in recent years. Participants reviewed measurable improvements in the representation of women across coaching, officiating and leadership roles, strengthened development pathways and increased integration of GEDI considerations throughout World Rowing’s work.
Women now represent 30 per cent of Member Federation Boards and 31 per cent of Congress delegates. Representation among International Technical Officials has reached 32 per cent, while women account for 39 per cent of National Technical Officials.
The session also celebrated World Rowing’s recognition by the International Olympic Committee as a featured International Federation in its guide on encouraging women coaches. The IOC publication highlighted the World Rowing Coach Development Programme as an example of good practice in advancing gender equality through targeted coach development initiatives.
Looking ahead, participants reviewed the organisation’s priorities for 2026 and 2027, including scaling pathways for women officials and coaches, strengthening representation in governance, improving GEDI monitoring and reporting, and embedding shared ownership of inclusion across all commissions and activities.
Moving from awareness to action for women coaches
The second part of the workshop focused on the WR-Women-Coaching-Toolkit, presented by Rosie Mayglothling, Head of Coaching Education at World Rowing. The toolkit was developed to support Member Federations in recruiting, developing and retaining more women coaches while addressing barriers that continue to affect participation and progression throughout the coaching pathway.
The discussions highlighted a challenge that extends beyond rowing. Across sport, women remain underrepresented in coaching, with representation decreasing as coaching levels become more advanced. The toolkit therefore provides practical guidance on creating supportive environments, developing mentoring opportunities, improving recruitment practices and building stronger pathways into coaching.
During the first collaborative conversation, participants reflected on their experiences using the toolkit and discussed how it could be implemented more effectively within their own federations. A recurring theme was that awareness of the toolkit remains limited, with many participants encountering it for the first time during the workshop.
Participants identified flexibility as a key factor in supporting women coaches. They highlighted the importance of coaching systems that recognise family responsibilities, professional commitments and different life circumstances rather than expecting individuals to adapt to fixed structures. The discussions also emphasised the value of mentoring, coaching networks, visible role models and athlete-to-coach transition pathways.
Examples shared during the session reinforced the importance of encouraging current and retiring athletes to explore coaching opportunities and providing practical support through mentoring, co-coaching and development programmes. Participants also identified communications, awareness campaigns and allyship as important tools for creating long-term cultural change.
Growing Para Rowing through sustainable pathways
The second collaborative discussion focused on Para Rowing and was led by World Rowing Vice President Annamarie Phelps. Participants explored what is required to start and sustain Para Rowing programmes and shared ideas that could be adapted within different national contexts.
A central message was that federations do not need to begin with a fully developed programme. Progress can start by understanding local realities, identifying potential athletes and partners, building knowledge and creating appropriate opportunities that can grow over time.
Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration with National Paralympic Committees, disability-sport organisations and community partners. Sustainable programmes require more than athlete recruitment; they also depend on qualified coaches, accessible facilities, equipment, funding, classification opportunities and meaningful competition pathways.
The discussions generated a wide range of ideas, including stronger regional cooperation, expanded competition opportunities, increased visibility of Para athletes as role models and the exploration of future Continental Para Rowing Hubs. Participants stressed that development should remain locally relevant and responsive to the specific circumstances of each federation.
Shaping the future together
The workshop concluded with a reflection from World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland, who thanked participants for their contributions and engagement throughout the discussions.
Across both collaborative conversations, a common message emerged: the future growth of rowing depends on strong partnerships, open dialogue and a willingness to learn from one another. Whether advancing GEDI, supporting women coaches or expanding Para Rowing, participants agreed that progress will come through practical action, shared experiences and sustained collaboration across the global rowing community.
The What’s Next to Rowing workshop demonstrated that while challenges remain, there is also considerable momentum. By sharing good practices, strengthening pathways and creating more inclusive opportunities, Member Federations and World Rowing can continue working together to build a thriving rowing ecosystem for all.
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