Volleyball World reiterates commitment to women’s empowerment in volleyball on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day (IWD), Volleyball World stands alongside the FIVB and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation to celebrate its commitment to empowering women through the global sport of volleyball, both on and off the court.

Volleyball stands as the most gender-equal team sport worldwide. It is played and followed equally by both women and men, boasts a gender-balanced fanbase and ensures equal prize money for athletes. Through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, grounded in the motto “Together as One”, the FIVB is dedicated to further strengthening equal opportunities, alongside representation and investment for women in the sport, from grassroots participation to leadership roles.

The 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) stands as a testament to the popularity and impact of the women’s game. The women’s VNL match between Poland and Germany was the second highest sports programme on the Polsat network in Poland in 2024. Türkiye also saw record-breaking viewership, with 804,000 fans watching the USA-Türkiye women’s match on TRT SPOR, making it the second most-watched live sports broadcast on the network in 2024.

Equal Jersey campaign: promoting gender equality

At the heart of Volleyball World’s commitment to gender equality is the Equal Jersey campaign, which has been making waves since its launch in 2021. This groundbreaking initiative takes place during the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), where male and female players proudly wear each other’s names while sharing the same jersey number. The campaign symbolises respect, unity and equal recognition for both genders in the sport. It’s a powerful statement about inclusion and celebrates volleyball as a sport where gender equality is inherent.

As we move into 2025, the Equal Jersey campaign will continue to be an integral part of the VNL. Stay tuned for more activations and moments that showcase the sport’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for all athletes. This initiative sets an inspiring example for future generations of volleyball players and fans alike.

Empowering women to shape the future of volleyball

Volleyball World, alongside FIVB, continues to prioritise the importance of women in shaping the sport’s future.

Louise Bawden, President of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, which has equal gender representation among its membership, and an FIVB Volleyball Foundation Ambassador expressed her pride in being part of a movement that is committed to gender equality.

“Ensuring equal opportunities for women in volleyball is not just about representation - it’s about investment, leadership and creating real pathways for success,” said Bawden. “It is great that the FIVB continues to make tangible progress, from equality on the field of play to initiatives that empower women at every level of the sport, and I am proud to be part of a sport that champions gender equality. We are building a future where every woman and girl in volleyball - whether as an athlete, coach or leader - has the opportunity to succeed.”

Beyond the game: Volleyball as a tool for change

In 2024, the launch of the Volleyball Foundation marked a pivotal moment in using the power of volleyball to uplift communities around the world. At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is its focus on empowering women and girls, both on and off the court, through education and personal development opportunities.

By offering access to volleyball and supporting girls’ education, the Foundation is breaking down barriers and inspiring women and girls to pursue their dreams and become leaders in their communities.

Creating more pathways for women in sport

The conversation around gender equality in volleyball took centre stage at the ‘Women in Sports: Creating Pathways’ seminar, held in Doha in December 2024. Hosted by the FIVB, Qatar Foundation, FIVB Volleyball Foundation and Qatar Volleyball Association, the event brought together Olympians, sports leaders and administrators to discuss how to expand opportunities for women - not just as athletes, but as decision-makers in sport.

Panel discussions included: “The Global Success of Women in Volleyball”, “Breaking Barriers: Women Athletes”, and “Creating a Sustainable Future for Women in Sports in Qatar”.

Making history: the first-ever women’s beach volleyball championship in the Middle East

The FIVB’s commitment to growing the women’s game was evident at the WAVA U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship, held in December 2024. As the first-ever junior female beach volleyball event in the Middle East, the championship marked a historic step forward in expanding the sport’s reach in the region.

Hosted at the Al Gharafa Beach Complex, the event brought together young athletes from Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Kuwait. Supported by Olympic Solidarity under the IOC Youth Athlete Development Programme, this milestone event showcased the growing opportunities for women’s volleyball in the region and the broader commitment to empowering the next generation of female athletes.

A future of equal opportunity

From leadership development to grassroots initiatives, the FIVB continues to strive ensure that women have the same opportunities as men to compete, lead and succeed in volleyball. The FIVB Volleyball Foundation is playing a central role in this mission, actively working to ensure women and girls are empowered around the world through volleyball.