Empowerment and celebration on International Women's Day

CEO Katie Sadleir CNZM has reaffirmed Commonwealth Sport’s unwavering commitment to championing equal opportunity and embracing diversity across the Movement on International Women’s Day, backed by her female senior executive colleagues.

“International Women’s Day creates the opportunity for everyone to stop, think, and reflect on whether we are all striving and committed to embrace diversity,” said Sadleir. “At Commonwealth Sport this is so critical to our values and to what we stand for.

“We want to see more women in governance positions, leadership roles, coaching at both an elite and community level, officiating, and, of course, participating in our Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games.

“To all our present and future athletes, role models and inspirational women leaders, we thank you and celebrate your dedication and support on International Women’s Day.”

In action, Commonwealth Sport continues its commitment to champion equal opportunity and empower the next generation of women in leadership through its Women Leaders Programme.

“Since 2022 there have been 50 women who have been awarded the Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme (CWLP) scholarships to assist with their leadership development,” said Sadleir. “These powerful alumni have added significant value and impact within the Movement.”

In 2024-2025, the CWLP is providing a powerful platform for 16 women to further develop their leadership roles in the sports industry. Through dedicated mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities, these women are dedicated to drive positive change within their communities.

A key initiative of the programme is the implementation of purpose-driven projects, funded by Commonwealth Sport development grants, designed to strengthen local communities and promote gender equality across the Movement. Commonwealth Sport has committed a total of £80,000 in 2024-2025 to these women for such personal development and community projects.

By breaking barriers and fostering the next generation of female leaders, the Commonwealth Sport Movement continues to drive meaningful change, harnessing the power of sport to promote social progress and inclusivity.

As of 8 March 2025, the Commonwealth Sport Management Team consists of 16 women and 13 men. Four out of seven of the Senior Leadership Team are women, and each of them echoed CEO Sadleir’s comments.

Ellen Barwise, Director of Development and Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) Relationships, said, “I feel extremely lucky to be part of a movement where gender equality is not just an ideal; it’s the very fabric of our governance, management, and programmes. Every day, I am inspired by the incredible women around me who break barriers, challenge societal norms, and create lasting impact in their communities.

“In my role, I have the privilege of witnessing the strength and vision of women from across the Commonwealth first hand. I believe it is important to enable women to navigate their own best route and create a community of practice that positions more women in leadership roles. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only how far we’ve come but also the limitless possibilities ahead.”

Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sports, said, “I feel so hopeful of the positive energy and integrity that women around the Commonwealth can bring to such a troubled world. Long may we harness our uniqueness to unite communities and create the space for brave conversations to happen. Seeing the brilliance of female athletes shining through on the field of play and the young female leaders of the future bringing fresh insight and ideas to Commonwealth Sport, is truly inspiring. Thank you to those women who have gone before us for their vision and tenacity in paving the way for those to follow – we owe you!”

Sue McGregor, Director of Marketing and Communications, said, “Being a female leader in sports today is a testament to the progress made by so many who have come before, but it's sobering to remember that according to Women on Boards UK, only 26% of UK board positions across UK sports are held my women. Barriers are being broken down but there's still a long road ahead to ensure women’s leadership is the norm, not the exception. So, I feel tremendously grateful to work within an organisation that prioritises equity.”

Janice Shardlow, Director of Governance and Corporate Affairs, said, “The Commonwealth Games prides itself on its values of equality and diversity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the way it embraces gender diversity across not only its sport but also all layers of its governance structure.”

Claire Carver-Dias, Regional Vice-President Americas who sits on the Commonwealth Sport Executive Board, gave a glimpse into the importance of a strong support network and mentorship amongst women in sport amid the challenges she has faced in her career.

Carver-Dias, who is also Commonwealth Sport Canada President, said, “I have been inspired by so many leaders in Canadian sports, starting in my own backyard. I have a very strong mother who always believed that women and men can aspire to be whatever they want. I also grew up in a sport that is led by strong women, female coaches, presidents, and here in Canada, we had the first-ever female President of a Commonwealth Games Association... There are many barriers that women face in leadership. When I did show up at board tables, I was often one of only two women in the room. It was sometimes difficult to feel like you had the strength of voice, but building alliances with other board members and helping them see the value I brought to the discussion was really important."

A critical feature of the CWLP is mentorship, with inspirational women across the Commonwealth dedicating time and experience to support the aspiring women leaders and guide their leadership development journey. 

This cohort is being guided on their leadership journey under the global expertise of Barbara Daniels and Sarah McQuade. Each scholarship recipient has also been paired with a distinguished international mentor, ensuring personalised guidance and support throughout the programme.

Daniels and McQuade, who have extensive experience in running leadership courses designed especially for women, lead the programme and ensure that they create a safe space for women to connect, network, share and explore their leadership development. Their personalised approach to the programme creates an opportunity to undertake a personal development plan that empowers the participants to grow as leaders in their sport and community

“Barbara and I are excited to lead this impactful women's leadership programme for the Commonwealth Sport, focusing on elevating the profile and presence of women leaders in sport. The programme is designed to help participants reflect on their cultural contexts and create tailored leadership plans to support their growth as individuals and professionals while driving positive change in their local communities. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to strengthen leadership pathways and advance women's representation in sports leadership across the Commonwealth.”

Sascha Rea, Operations Manager at Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Association, is one of this year’s mentees. 

“I was so pleased to be accepted onto the CWLP, it stood out to me as a great opportunity that has provided so many females the chance to grow and develop in their leadership and roles in sport,” Rea said. “The support received from Sarah, Barbara and all the Mentors has been so helpful, and I can really see how they are invested in each person’s journey through the programme.

“I look forward to testing my leadership skills throughout the year and participating in this exciting programme that is creating more opportunities for women in the high-performance sporting environment across the Commonwealth.”

The Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme is open to all female leaders in the sports industry aspiring to a career in a CGA, including coaches, administrators, executives, officials, and others, who demonstrate a need for support and show a commitment to promoting equality within their communities and the Commonwealth Sport Movement.