Our first birthday!
The Feminist Sport Lab (FSL), a ground breaking initiative reimagining sport through inclusive, feminist values, celebrates its first anniversary today with the release of its inaugural annual report. Founded on 19 November 2023, FSL has rapidly established itself as a beacon for gender equity, social justice, and innovation in sport.
Co-directed by Dr. Sheree Bekker from the University of Bath and Professor Stephen Mumford from Durham University, FSL has already garnered international recognition. Its mission is clear: to make sport a radically inclusive space, safe and welcoming for all, while addressing intersectional barriers to participation.
A Year of Growth and Innovation
FSL’s first year has been marked by a series of milestones:
Global Reach: Monthly online meetings featured presentations from esteemed scholars and practitioners, engaging members from across the globe.
Media and Outreach: The launch of FSL Media and its YouTube channel, FSLTV, has provided a platform for insightful commentary, book reviews, and dialogues on gender-related issues in sport.
Consultancy and Collaboration: FSL has begun offering consultancy services, working with sports organisations to enhance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
Publications, Presentations, and Research: Members have contributed to a wide array of scholarly publications, addressing topics such as transgender inclusion, equity in sports governance, and the socio-cultural dynamics of sport.
Looking Ahead
Building on its momentum, FSL is setting ambitious goals for its second year, including:
Expanding membership and formalising partnerships with sports organisations.
Enhancing its media presence and launching the inaugural FSL annual awards.
Completing a second collaborative project to further drive gender equity in sport.
“Our first year has been a whirlwind of activity and achievement,” said Dr. Bekker. “This report not only reflects the dedication of our members but also lays the groundwork for an exciting future where sport is truly reimagined.”
Co-director Stephen Mumford added, “The speed of our growth has been astounding, but what stands out to me is the unwavering commitment of our members to feminist values. Together, we’re not only breaking barriers but also showing how sport can be a force for liberation and equity. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve next.”
FSL continues to invite new members who share its values of equity, inclusion, and compassion. Whether academics, athletes, or practitioners, all are welcome to contribute to the lab’s mission to dismantle barriers and redefine sport for the betterment of all.