The 2023 edition of Sport Future Rendez-Vous on 28 September in Lausanne will bring together several experts who will address the pressing topic of gender-based violence in sport from different angles. One of them will be Dr. Lombe Mwambwa, Research Director at the Lausanne based Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport. We sat down with Lombe to get some of her views ahead of the event.
How is the Global Observatory addressing gender-based violence in sport?
Our role is to convene actors, experts and researchers to promote coherent research agendas on gender-based violence in sport. We are also accompanying actors from governments to promote consideration of this important topic in national data projects. Last but not least we are contributing to the related work of the women and sport movements for shared targets. The objective is to ensure efficiency and synergies by the different stakeholders working in this area, and, where necessary, we help to close knowledge gaps.
What are recent developments in this field?
First, we are seeing more public calls directed at governments, asking them to address gender-based violence in sport. This is partly caused by a rise in groups representing survivors and an increased awareness of the issue. More and more victims of gender-based violence in sport are speaking out and get engaged in the development of interventions. In parallel, an increasing number of entities are now dedicated to tackling gender-based violence in sport.
What needs to happen to eradicate gender-balanced violence in sport?
We need robust state legislation and multi-sectoral policies in and beyond sport. At the same time there must be a holistic service provision for protection, response, and remedies at all levels. We all have to play our role and a collective commitment to a safe sporting culture is absolutely critical.
About the event
Jointly organised by ThinkSport and the University of Lausanne (UNIL), the 2023 edition of Sport Future Rendez-Vous will take place on 28 September from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Synathlon Building on the University of Lausanne campus, Switzerland. Other speakers will include Kirsty Burrows, Head of the Safe Sport Unit at the International Olympic Committee; Ashley Ehlert, Deputy General Secretary and Legal Director of the International
Ice Hockey Federation; and Tine Vertommen, Criminologist at the Thomas More University. Click here to learn more and to save your place. Participation is free, with mandatory registration.
