Athletics Ireland has launched its Women in Sport Strategy 2026-2028, marking the next phase of the national governing body's commitment to advancing gender equity across every level of athletics. Building on recent progress, the strategy sets out a clear ambition to create a system where women are visible, supported, and empowered at every stage from first participation to high performance and from local club involvement to national leadership.

Athletics Ireland reported that the strategy is backed by Sport Ireland's leadership and sustained Irish government support, positioning the organisation to deliver a bold programme of change.

The strategy's vision is to make athletics a lifelong sport and lifestyle choice for women and girls, with a mission to provide programmes, pathways, and club supports allowing all women and girls to participate in athletics throughout their lifetime.

Aligning with the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Strategy and the Balanced Leadership Framework document, Athletics Ireland will develop and deliver programmes across key pillars including coaching, officiating, leadership, visibility, active participation, and high performance.

Key targets include growing and retaining the female coaching base from grassroots to performance through support programmes, networks, and education, providing clear pathways to officiating for new female officials, achieving gender balance across all Athletics Ireland boards and committees by 2028, and increasing the number of women taking part in athletics from social run clubs to high performance.

The strategy addresses teenage girl dropout rates by providing programmes and support for clubs, schools, and wider groups, whilst working with clubs to develop events reducing barriers to participation and fostering supportive environments.

Explore Athletics Ireland's Women in Sport Strategy 2026-2028 and its approach to advancing gender equity in athletics.