The European Handball Federation -EHF- has launched a new initiative aimed at boosting women’s participation and representation in the sport. Under the umbrella of the Her Playground platform, the organisation has introduced the Role Models Project, featuring four leading figures chosen for their careers and values both on and off the court.
Among those selected are Norwegian goalkeeper Katrine Lunde, French player Estelle Nze Minko, Serbian star Andrea Lekic, and Dutch wheelchair handball player Joyce van Haaster. According to the EHF, the aim is for these personalities to “inspire future generations by showing authenticity, commitment and passion.”
Specific objectives of the Role Models Project
The new programme focuses on giving visibility to diverse examples within handball. Lunde was chosen for her long career filled with titles, but also for her discipline and approach to the game. Nze Minko stands out for her attitude and leadership both at Györ and with the French national team. Lekic, who recently retired, emphasised that she feels the responsibility to “give back to handball everything it has given me.” Van Haaster embodies inclusion after returning to competition in a wheelchair following the recovery from a tumour.
The EHF underlines that the project seeks to highlight both the sporting achievements and the human dimension of its role models. It aims to provide girls and women with figures they can identify with, while also expanding visibility for disciplines such as wheelchair handball.
The Her Playground platform and its strategic role
The Role Models Project is part of Her Playground, a platform launched by the EHF to give women in handball a stronger voice. Its motto is “She grows. We win.” and it gathers content on the federation’s official website and on social media, including player stories, best practices, and topics related to equality, governance, and safe environments.
“The goal is to support and empower women in all aspects of handball,” said EHF Secretary General Martin Hausleitner at the project’s presentation. The platform is positioned as a reference point for the women’s handball community across Europe.
Complementary EHF initiatives
Her Playground adds to several initiatives developed by the EHF in recent years. These include Respect Your Talent, which focuses on the holistic development of young players; the Women’s Handball Board, created in 2012 to strengthen representation in decision-making bodies; and the Women’s Handball Conferences, which bring together federations, clubs and coaches to share strategies. Also noteworthy is the Female Commentators Project, designed to increase female presence in commentary and sports analysis.
Through these actions, the EHF continues to reinforce its strategy to promote women’s handball and broaden participation opportunities in different areas of the sport, from the court to management and media.
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