The Equability in and through Handball: Leveraging Women’s Inclusion Towards Better Sports for Everyone (EquaWHand) project was launched under the 2022 European Union Erasmus+ Sport program to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in managerial roles within the handball sector. Spearheaded by the Turkish Handball Federation (THF) in partnership with the University of Ljubljana and the Sports and Body Movement for Social Empowerment Association (BoMoVu), the project set out to create tangible pathways for female leadership in sports governance by equipping participants with the strategic and managerial skills necessary for success.
Since its inception, EquaWHand has evolved into a transformative initiative that not only fostered gender inclusion but also strengthened the broader landscape of sports management in Türkiye and Slovenia. The project’s structure was built on a multi-faceted approach, incorporating a carefully designed curriculum that blended theory with practice. The training program began with online education modules, covering essential topics such as strategic management, financial planning, event organization, and leadership in sports. These modules provided participants with a strong conceptual foundation, ensuring they were well-versed in the key principles of sports administration.
Building upon this theoretical groundwork, the project then facilitated a series of face-to-face workshops led by experts, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of real-world challenges in sports management. These interactive sessions included case studies, problem-solving exercises, and direct engagement with professionals working in the field, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. The workshops were complemented by practical internships within handball clubs, where participants applied their knowledge in a hands-on environment. By working alongside experienced managers and administrators, they gained firsthand insight into the day-to-day operations of sports organizations, further solidifying their preparedness for leadership roles.
One of the project’s most defining milestones was the organization of a high-level handball match between the national teams of Türkiye and Slovenia, planned and executed by the participants themselves. This final exercise served as a culmination of their learning experience, allowing them to take full ownership of a complex event and showcase their management skills in a real-world setting. The event not only demonstrated the capabilities of the newly trained female managers but also provided visibility to the broader goal of gender inclusion in sports. The success of this initiative highlighted the practical impact of EquaWHand and reinforced the importance of hands-on experience in developing confident and competent sports leaders.
The journey was not without its challenges. The devastating earthquake that struck Türkiye on 6 February 2023 had a profound impact on the project and its participants. Some team members faced personal losses, and nationwide disruptions to sports activities led to inevitable delays. As a result, the project timeline was extended to accommodate these unforeseen circumstances, allowing us to fulfill our commitment to delivering a high-quality training program. Despite these difficulties, the resilience of our partners, trainers, and participants ensured that EquaWHand remained on course, culminating in a successful and impactful conclusion.
Beyond its direct outcomes, the project has contributed to a growing awareness of gender equity in sports management. By focusing on skill-building, mentorship, and practical engagement, EquaWHand has empowered a new generation of female leaders who are now better positioned to influence decision-making in handball organizations. Furthermore, the project’s findings and methodologies provide a replicable model for similar initiatives across different sports and regions.
We reflect on the achievements of EquaWHand and the meaningful progress made toward a more inclusive sports environment. This document details the project’s key milestones, lessons learned, and recommendations for sustaining and expanding the impact of our work. While this marks the formal conclusion of the initiative, the networks, knowledge, and momentum generated by EquaWHand will continue to shape the future of women’s leadership in sports for years to come.
