The European Weightlifting Federation -EWF- has strengthened female representation within its leadership structure with the appointment of Rusudani Muradashvili to the Executive Board. This addition increases the number of women serving on the Board from two to five, representing a 150% rise in female participation in the federation’s highest decision-making body. The appointment marks a notable step toward a more balanced internal governance structure.
The decision was made during the Executive Board meeting held in Durrës, Albania, on November 2, 2025, where strategic priorities and development frameworks for weightlifting across Europe were also reviewed.
Limited female representation in sports governance
Female representation in senior leadership roles across European sport remains comparatively low, particularly in executive and presidential positions. Data indicate a decrease in female participation as responsibilities increase within organizational hierarchies.
Several comparative studies highlight this imbalance: the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has estimated that women hold around 14% of executive positions in European sport federations; the Council of Europe reported that only 12% of federations are led by a woman and 29% include women in vice-presidential roles; a review by the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) recorded 26.9% female representation in international federation leadership structures; a 2023 systematic review placed women’s share in decision-making positions in European sport at 23.3%; and in the case of the International Olympic Committee -IOC-, women accounted for approximately one third of its Executive Board prior to its more recent parity-focused reforms.
A shift in trend
In recent years, various organizations have adopted measures aimed at improving female representation in governance structures. The Council of Europe’s All In Plus project reported that 12% of European federations are led by women and 29% include women in executive roles. Within FIFA member associations, female participation in executive committees remains close to 12%. Comparative data from SIGA show broad differences between international federations, ranging from structures with majority female representation to others close to 13%. The IOC has moved toward an Executive Board approaching parity. The UEFA has introduced statutory requirements to include at least two women on its Executive Committee. At World Aquatics, women now represent approximately 39% of its Bureau following institutional reforms in the most recent governance cycle.
In this context, the EWF now stands above several European averages and comparable international federations. The current composition of its Executive Board aligns with evolving international standards promoting balanced participation in decision-making processes in sport governance.
Internal renewal and the role of the Athletes’ Commission
The meeting in Durrës also included updates to the EWF Athletes’ Commission. Ivona Gavran (CRO) assumed the role of Chair, while Despina Polaktsidou (GRE) was appointed Secretary, reinforcing athlete involvement in planning processes and in initiatives such as training camps and the selection for the Best European Weightlifter Awards.
The appointment procedure for Rusudani Muradashvili and Hristov Stefan Botev (BUL) included document verification by the Vetting Panel, which confirmed that both candidates met the required eligibility criteria prior to approval. The appointments were adopted unanimously.
