Recognising the urgent need for collective action, the GO was established to advance gender equality and empower women and girls in all their diversity in and through physical education, physical activity, and sport.
Led by colleagues from the University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underpinning a strategic collaboration that will expand research and innovation activities related to advancing gender equality in sport globally.
The agreement sees Loughborough become the first UK-based university to enter a partnership with the GO and will build on the already successful research and innovation projects delivered by the University’s Health and Wellbeing of Women in Sport cluster.
Speaking about the MOU, Dr Emma Pullen said: “We are looking forward to working with the GO to ensure Loughborough University’s research and innovation in women and girls’ sport and physical activity is impactful and advances global knowledge, policy and practice.
“Working in collaboration with organisations such as the GO is critical to developing a truly global and co-ordinated approach to tackling systematic gender inequities in sport.”
Dr Lombe Mwambwa from GO added: "The timing of this partnership is perfect for the development of the GO and for the waves of action and research that are taking place around the world.
“This cooperation with Loughborough University is a strategic way to mutually extend our excellence and influence in service of our policy, practice, and research aims.”
Professor Jo Maher, Loughborough University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sport, added:
“This partnership provides another marker in the sand as we collectively expand and evolve our research and innovation offer in women and girls’ sport.
“Working alongside talented colleagues at the GO, we look forward to delivering world-leading impactful projects that have tangible benefits for all involved.”
The GO initiative originated from Loughborough University’s UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education.
