Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Working Group Members

Job role: Voluntary Working Group Members
Posted: 29 April 2025
Closing date: 31 May 2025
Term of Appointment: 4 years
Salary Range:  Voluntary Role but all reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with World Sailing expenses policy. 
How to apply: Applications can be submitted by completing this form. Deadline for applications is 31 May 2025.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As an International Federation, World Sailing is responsible for promoting the sport, managing sailing of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the regulation and development of the sport worldwide.

The principal members of World Sailing are the 147 Member National Authorities and more than 100 Class Associations.

Our mission is to make sailing more exciting and accessible for everyone to participate or watch and use our reach and influence to create a sustainable future for our sport and the waters of the world.

Under the provisions of Article 41 of the World Sailing Constitution, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee requests approval from the Board that the following Working Groups (WG) are appointed under the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The intention is that expressions of interest from Members are sought as for all four WGs. In all four cases it is considered that there is a need to bring in the knowledge and experience of non-Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members so that the committee can provide the required recommendations to World Sailing’s Council.

It is proposed to appoint four WGs: Women, Underrepresented Groups, Para Inclusive, Inter Sex/Difference of Sexual Development.

Women

Purpose: To develop and implement strategies that significantly increase the participation of women across all aspects of sailing globally, including as sailors, administrators, race officials, and coaches. This extends beyond achieving the 50% quota at the Olympic Games to fostering equitable representation at all levels, including race officiating, World Sailing appointments, continental associations, and national authorities.

Reporting To: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Membership: To be determined following an open call for expressions of interest.

Member Criteria: no criteria however, the below are desirable:

• Demonstrated experience within the sailing community (e.g., as a race official, athlete, coach, team leader, or administrator).
• Strong passion for advancing women’s involvement in the sport of sailing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advance Women in Leadership: Expand upon existing initiatives aimed at encouraging greater female representation in decision-making roles within sailing.
• Identify Barriers to Participation: Thoroughly analyse and understand the obstacles hindering women’s involvement as sailors, race officials, coaches, and administrators.
• Implement a Visibility Campaign: Develop and execute a campaign, potentially leveraging social media, to elevate the profile of women in sailing and position them as inspirational figures. This will include maximising the reach of sailing and international female sailors on International Women’s Day.

 

Underrepresented Groups

Purpose: To gain a comprehensive understanding of underrepresented groups in developing regions within sailing, both competitive and recreational, and to identify effective ways for World Sailing to support their increased participation.

Reporting To: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Membership: To be determined following an open call for expressions of interest.

Member Criteria: no criteria however, the below are desirable:

• Demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of underrepresentation in sailing.
• Experience in promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups within sport or sailing is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote the Importance of Diversity: Highlight the value of diversity across all aspects of sailing through various channels, including networks, social media, and events such as the World Sailing Annual Conference.
• Understand Underrepresented Groups: Conduct research and engagement to better understand the specific needs, challenges, and aspirations of underrepresented groups in developing regions concerning sailing.
• Review and Enhance Existing Initiatives: Evaluate current World Sailing programs and projects aimed at addressing underrepresentation to ensure their effectiveness in increasing local participation across diverse population segments.
• Recommend Support Strategies: Based on the understanding gained, propose actionable strategies and recommendations for how World Sailing can best support the increased participation of underrepresented groups in sailing.

 

Para Inclusive

Purpose: To support the Para World Sailing Committee in its efforts to reinstate sailing in the Paralympic Games, address barriers to participation for National Member Authorities (MNAs) and individuals, and foster increased involvement in inclusive sailing events globally.

Reporting To: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Membership: To be determined following an open call for expressions of interest.

Member Criteria: no criteria however, the below are desirable:

• Para Sailing knowledge or experience is desirable.
• A strong commitment to promoting inclusivity within the sport of sailing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Champion Inclusive Sailing: Promote the value of inclusivity across all sailing events through educational initiatives and effective communication strategies.
• Support Paralympic Reinstatement Efforts: Actively assist the Para World Sailing Committee in their work aimed at the reintroduction of sailing to the Paralympic Games.
• Analyse Barriers to Entry: Identify and understand the obstacles hindering MNAs from supporting inclusive sailing and preventing individuals from participating in inclusive sailing.
• Facilitate Increased Participation: Develop and recommend strategies to overcome identified barriers and encourage greater participation in inclusive sailing events among MNAs and individuals worldwide.

 

Inter Sex/Difference of Sexual Development

Purpose: To ensure the full inclusion of intersex athletes and those with differences in sexual development (DSD) within sailing, building upon the guidelines and work of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and to develop informed policies and practices within the sport.

Reporting To: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Membership: To be determined following an open call for expressions of interest.

Member Criteria: no criteria however, the below are desirable:

• Medical professionals with relevant expertise are strongly encouraged to apply.
• A commitment to understanding and addressing inclusion within sport.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enhance Intersex Inclusion: Develop and propose innovative strategies to enrich and increase the participation of intersex athletes and individuals with DSD in sailing at all levels.
• Conduct Research and Policy Review: Undertake thorough research into the participation of intersex individuals and those with DSD in sport, with a specific focus on its relevance to sailing, and analyse current policies and best practices in the broader sporting landscape.
• Inform Policy Development: Based on the research and analysis, provide informed recommendations to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee regarding the development of inclusive and equitable policies within World Sailing that address the specific needs and considerations of intersex athletes and those with DSD.