Examples of our work include:
UNESCO: GLOBAL OBSERVATORY FEASIBILITY STUDY
In 2020, UNESCO commissioned a Feasibility Study into the creation of a Global
Observatory for Women, Sport, Physical Education, and Physical Activity to address the need
for stronger international coordination and accountability on gender equality in sport.
Athlead was appointed as Project Manager, leading extensive data collection and
consultation with stakeholders ranging from civil society and governments to international
federations, sponsors, and transnational organisations, while carefully navigating diverse
and sometimes competing interests.
Using a collaborative, coalition-focused approach, Athlead translated these research
findings into a quadrennial strategy and business plan, supported by operational
frameworks, governance policies, and strategic recommendations. The Global Observatory
was successfully launched in 2023, and Athlead continues to support UNESCO and other UN
agencies in advancing gender equality initiatives in sport worldwide.
UN WOMEN: TACKLING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORT HANDBOOK
In 2023, Athlead’s CEO, Kat Craig, co-authored the Handbook on Tackling Violence Against
Women and Girls in Sport, published by UNESCO and UN Women with support from the UN
Spotlight Initiative. The handbook provided prevalence data, identified policy and practice
gaps, and offered actionable guidance for designing survivor-centred reporting systems,
safeguarding frameworks, and prevention strategies.
The handbook equipped global policymakers and sports practitioners with a practical toolkit
to strengthen protections against gender-based violence. By combining data, survivorcentred approaches, and structural recommendations, it advanced the agenda for safer,
more equitable sporting environments worldwide.