The European Hockey Female Leadership Forum- which first edition was held in March 2019, is part of EHF action to impart changes.
Indeed the European Hockey Federation is striving to promote gender balance and drive change forward at a rapid pace on and off the field.
Brief outline of the initiative
Among the multiple aims of the Forum is a desire to attract more women onto the EHF Executive Board.
In August 2019 the EHF would be calling for the election of three women onto the Board, so the EHFL Forum was a great opportunity to get a feel for what will be required as a Board member.
The European Hockey Female Leadership Forum 2019 edition brought together 27 women from 22 nations to network and hear from speakers in the world of sport. The women receive differing levels of resources and encounter a diverse set issues.
The forum offered a mixed o netwroking opportinity, inspirational keynote speeches and interactive sessions to learn more about their fellow delegates and their ambitions. Therefore particpants were able to lean on each other for support and guidance throughout the weekend.
This support has continued as the women are active in a WhatsApp group.
Some are now in the process of implementing female leadership forums in their own countries or stepping up for election.
Duration
2 days
Frequency
Every two year
Funding
EHF internal funds
Budget
10 000€ in total (Aprox 370€ per participant)
Key elements of the European Hockey Female Leadership Forum
Target
Women only
Country of origin
Belgium (where EHF is based)
Country/Region of implementation
Affects member associations throughout Europe
Number of participants
27 women
(21 countries represented)
Core objective of the Programme
☒ Women empowerment (identifying barriers and working on strengths, creating a community)
☐ Supporting organizational change (strategy for developing diversity, implementation of specific policies, support to change makers)
☒ Allies buy-in and support (mentors, men championing)
☒ External Scrutiny (Pledge board, Indicators, celebration of success…)
☐ Other => Please specify:
Actions implemented
☒ Internal Diversity & Inclusion Strategy for a safe workplace with equal rights (please specify): EquallyAmazing charter to be released in June by EHF which is in addition to this programme. It will recommend actions to help member associations achieve gender balance.
☐ Commitment of men - please specify:
☐ Personal development training - please specify:
☒ Role model highlighted: 5 persons from the 27 have highlighted the desire to be involved in the SWinG project. All guest speakers have expressed desire to support as role models for the 27
☒ Networking (women network, men network or mixed) - please specify: Held first European Hockey Female Leadership Forum in 2019. Saw 27 women from 22 nations come together to learn from inspiring speakers and network with each other
☐ Mentoring (unique or mixed gender, please specify) (experienced & wise guide)
☐ Coaching (ability to inspire and grow people/Foster emulation/ Being influential)
☐ Events (sharing with other companies) - please specify:
☐ Other - please specify:
Format
☐ Online e-learning Module
☐ Online seminar
☐ Workshops
☒ Conference
☐ Self-Assessment tool
☐ Consolidated educational/training programme
☒ Other - Please specify: EquallyAmazing Charter (and campaign)
Identified Key Success Factors
- Representation of women from an array of nations; opportunities for the women to network (ex. coffee breaks, dinner, mini workshops in between speakers)
- Assuring women in the room that they would have the President and the EHF’s support in their journeys.
Transferable bites/elements
- Networking
- Obtaining speakers who are notable in the relevant field
Testimonials
Source of information: Interview + Online documentation
An initiative selected as a case study of the SWinG library of leadership development initiatives.
