The International University Sports Federation (FISU) confirmed its long standing relationship with the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will see the two organisations support each other’s gender equality objectives in the build up to the IWG Global Summit 2026 and beyond.
The MoU, which was signed during the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, lays out the intention to jointly develop activities and programmes promoting gender equality in sport and physical activity at university level.
IWG and FISU already have a closely aligned relationship, with FISU signing the IWG Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration in 2011 as a sign of their commitment to improving gender equality across all aspects of university sport.
An insightful Gender Equality Roundtable
As part of the signing of the MoU, IWG’s Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe MBE delivered a presentation during the Gender Equality Roundtable, which takes place at every FISU World University Games as part of FISU’s commitment to furthering advancement. Speaking under the theme of ‘Different but equal: understanding and transforming barriers for women in university sports worldwide’, Lisa shared insights from a global perspective, giving context to the wider discussions and outlining how the IWG network can support FISU’s ambitions.
Gender Equality Roundtable
Speaking after the MOU signing, Lisa said: “I’m really pleased IWG has signed an MOU with FISU which will help us to build on an already strong relationship, for mutual benefits.
“Throughout the years, FISU has taken concrete steps to ensure gender equality exists at its sport events, educational events and within its governance. By joining forces through this MOU, we will support each other on the continual promotion of gender equality in university sport, and IWG has committed to introducing FISU to the next Secretariat to ensure the longevity of the relationship remains.”
A long path better walked together
“A huge thank you to IWG’s Global Executive member Rosaura Méndez Gamboa, who also chairs the Gender Equality Committee at FISU, for facilitating the signing of the MOU and for the invite to speak at the Roundtable event, and to Leonz Eder and the leadership team for their ongoing commitment to achieving gender equality.”
“The path towards gender equality is a long one, that is better walked together with strong partners like the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, said FISU President Leonz Eder. This MOU is a recognition of the work accomplished together, of our mutual understanding and collaboration and of our commitment towards achieving this important common goal.”
If you want to find more about FISU’s work on Gender Equality, click here.