The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), meeting in Geneva for its 59th session, has unanimously adopted a resolution centred on empowering women and girls in and through sport. The proposal was put forward by the State of Qatar, acting on behalf of a core group that also includes Indonesia and Morocco.
The resolution won significant backing, attracting support from 71 countries representing a broad range of geographic regions, all signing on as co-sponsors.
Introducing the resolution, Her Excellency Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, highlighted the role of sport as a global language capable of advancing human rights, encouraging tolerance, and contributing to sustainable development.
Her Excellency pointed to the many advantages of women and girls taking part in sport , ranging from physical and mental well-being to personal growth and professional development. However, she also addressed the barriers that still exist, including low participation rates, a lack of representation in leadership roles, wage disparities, and limited media visibility.
She said that the resolution outlines future actions, including a panel discussion scheduled for the Council’s 62nd session in June 2026, and a report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to be presented in June 2027 during the Council’s 65th session. This timing will align with the FIFA Women’s World Cup, seen as a strategic moment to highlight women’s empowerment in sport.
Dr. Al Muftah explained that during the drafting phase, the core group was dedicated to an inclusive and constructive process, engaging in both formal and informal consultations to reflect a range of perspectives.
She thanked all participating nations and non-governmental organisations for their contributions, and reiterated the importance of multilateral forums as platforms for building consensus and mutual respect.
Representatives from several countries also took the floor during the adoption session to express their support. Many praised Qatar’s transparent and collaborative approach, and welcomed the Council’s decision to unanimously pass the resolution.
