With the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 captivating fans in Switzerland and across the world, delegates from a broad spectrum of disciplines gathered in at the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday (July 16) to spotlight a different, yet equally vital, aspect of women’s sport: the working conditions of female athletes and the ethical hosting of major sporting events.
In partnership with the Swiss Government, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, and the ILO, the high-level symposium brought together representatives from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, women’s professional leagues, players’ unions, football associations, event organizers, and civil society.
Amongst topics discussed were the enduring inequalities in women’s sport, particularly the striking disparity in opportunities, pay, and media attention when compared to male athletes. Participants examined initiatives to address violence and harassment targeting women in sport and explored mechanisms necessary to ensure that women athletes have the opportunity to thrive in fair and supportive conditions.
The risks associated with hosting large-scale sporting events were discussed with an emphasis on the urgent need for responsible event hosting frameworks that prioritize human rights and sustainability and foster early collaboration with all stakeholders. These should extend beyond fair wages and contracts to include safe, respectful environments for all workers from athletes and support workers to stadium staff and contractors.
The symposium underscored that the future of women’s sport depends not only on athletic excellence but also on the systems that underpin it. These must include fair contracts, safe workplaces, inclusive policies, and a media landscape that delivers ethical and accurate reporting, telling stories to inspire and reflecting the ambition and achievements of women athletes.