EA marks International Women’s Day with launch of Women in European Aquatics Network – register now

European Aquatics is marking International Women’s Day today by launching an initiative that will support and empower women interested in leadership across aquatics.

Registration details for the Women in European Aquatics Network are now available, and a video has been released in which some of the most influential women currently working with European Aquatics offer their endorsement and encouragement to the venture.

This landmark development – which is in line with the principles of EA’s Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) project – focuses on personal growth, leadership development, confidence-building and strengthening the presence of women in governance and decision-making roles.

The video, which includes comments from a number of women who have been involved in aquatics as athletes and administrators, can be accessed here:

.https://www.facebook.com/reel/895369273105360

“Today, on International Women’s Day, we launch the Women in European Aquatics Network – a mentorship initiative designed to support and empower women in leadership,” says Emma Garcia, Spain’s former European artistic swimming gold medallist and world medallist who is now vice-chair of the EA Athletes Committee.

“Meaningful change begins when we decide to take the lead.”

Ireland’s Sarah Keane, bureau liaison and chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Integrity Committee, adds: “Our programme focuses on self-responsibility, personal growth, and the development of confident, capable leaders…

“Leadership starts from within – and grows stronger when it is shared.”

Andida Bouma of The Netherlands, EA treasurer and member of the DEII Committee, comments:

“The network is open to women over 18 who are connected to National Federations, to European Aquatics, or who have been involved in aquatics within the past ten years and are interested in leadership…

“We bring together experience, ambition, and diverse perspectives from across our community.”

France’s 2022 European 25km open water swimming champion Caroline Jouisse, member of the Athlete Committee and the DEII Committee, says: “Through mentorship, shared knowledge, and leadership-focused activities in 2026, we are building a supportive and forward-looking network…

“Together, we are strengthening the future of women’s leadership in aquatics.”

Silvia Costa, ASR Project Manager, adds:

“Registration details are available in this post, and we invite you to sign up and be part of this growing community.

“Let’s start the wave.”

Throughout 2026 this network will provide:

Regular updates on leadership matters and relevant topics

A minimum of three leadership webinars, with the first taking place before summer

These webinar sessions will cover topics such as confidence-building, developing a personal brand, practical tools to support women in leadership roles, addressing barriers to female leadership and access to a leadership and learning resource library that will be developed and officially launched later this year.

Full registration details can be found here: https://forms.gle/zsEVGHn8couPZGuMA

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics

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