Empowering Women in Table Tennis: ITTF’s “My Gender. My Strength.” Project Expands Globally
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has taken a significant stride in promoting gender equality and empowering women in table tennis through its “My Gender. My Strength.” project, which was launched in 2019. This impactful initiative has now expanded globally, with 50 Member Associations applying for the 2024 edition – the highest engagement since the project’s inception.
Advancing Women’s Participation in Table Tennis
The 2024 edition of the “My Gender. My Strength.” project aims to further enhance and advance women’s participation in the sport by supporting ambitious female coaches in their professional growth and contribution to table tennis development within their respective Member Associations. Twenty female coaches have been selected as beneficiaries this year, hailing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including Olympians, coaches-owners of table tennis clubs, and national team coaches.
“Launched in 2019 as a pilot in Asia and Latin America, the project has now expanded globally, with 50 Member Associations applying, showcasing the Table Tennis Family’s commitment to advancing women in our sport,” said Katarzyna Kubas, Head of Development Projects at ITTF.
The project will be carried out in three distinct stages, providing the selected coaches with theoretical coaching knowledge, practical coaching experience, and enhanced management and leadership skills. This comprehensive approach aims to not only develop the coaches’ expertise but also create lasting networks and foster local support within their Member Associations.
Empowering Female Coaches and Leaders
Nabita Shreshta, a beneficiary from Nepal, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “Empowering women to be more active and to be leaders through table tennis has become one of my missions, and I am currently working on that. This recognition from ITTF and this project adds fuel to the fire I have inside me.”
The ITTF “My Gender. My Strength.” project is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in table tennis. By supporting female coaches in their professional journey, the initiative aims to create a lasting positive impact on the sport, fostering a new generation of women leaders in table tennis.
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