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Ministry of Sport plans to strengthen women's role in Polish sports

25.07.2024 17:30
Minister Sławomir Nitras is working on a bill that would require at least 30% of women on the boards of sports associations.
Polish volleyball players during the ceremony of awarding Olympic nominations and the oath-taking by Polands representatives for the Paris Olympic Games. In the front, second from the left, is team captain Joanna Wołosz, Warsaw, July 23, 2024.
Polish volleyball players during the ceremony of awarding Olympic nominations and the oath-taking by Poland’s representatives for the Paris Olympic Games. In the front, second from the left, is team captain Joanna Wołosz, Warsaw, July 23, 2024. (mk) PAP/Leszek Szymański

The legislation also includes increased support for athletes who are pregnant or new mothers, such as a one-year scholarship following childbirth, regardless of when they return to training.

The parity changes are aimed at sports associations with boards consisting of at least six members, where 30% of the members must be women.

Minister Nitras argues that these proportions should reflect the representation of women in sports, where they often make up about 50% or more.

“If women participate in sports, win medals, and make up 50% or even more of the national team, as seen with the Polish Olympic team for Paris, there is no reason why boards should be composed mainly of men. It must reflect the actual structure, as women’s sports have their own specifics and needs,” stated Nitras.

The bill, which has passed government consultations, will be reviewed by the Council of Ministers, with a planned implementation date of January 1, 2025.

Source: IAR

(mp)