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International Women’s Day 2026 – Give To Gain

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This Sunday, 8th March, the International Korfball Federation recognises and celebrates International Women’s Day 2026.

 

The first IWD was held in 1911 and so the 2026 event represents 115 years of history-making and change driven by a truly worldwide movement. The IKF is proud to stand in support of IWD’s ongoing endeavour to forge true gender equality across the globe.

As the world’s only truly mixed-gender sport, Korfball has been at the forefront of equality since our sport’s inception in 1901. Every Korfballer instinctively knows that collective success comes only when we combine the different talents of eight individuals into a team. This IWD we reiterate that this holds true beyond the field of play. As we work toward greater gender equality we will find greater successes together by allowing new perspectives, new skills, and new talents to lead the way.

Give To Gain

The theme of IWD 2026 is “Give To Gain” and asks us all to consider what we can do to help further advance the cause of gender equality by giving support in any form. We, as federations, clubs, officials, communities and individuals all have the power to give support to women at every level of our sport and beyond. We can do this in many ways: by sharing knowledge, giving opportunity, celebrating women’s successes, mentoring, questioning bias, calling out discrimination, and more. IKF truly believes that where women succeed, we all succeed.

Accordingly,  IKF’s “Connect to Grow – Women Now” project aims to help increase diversity across all levels of our sport: inviting women to come together and collectively shape the future of female representation in Korfball. We invite women everywhere to connect, learn, and grow with us.

Behind the scenes, IKF referees “Give to Gain” with a long history of mutual support for each other and for up-and-coming referees in their own national federations. IKF is particularly pleased that the number of female referees is increasing and that women are more and more visible as officials in the biggest games on the biggest stages in our sports halls and on our screens. These women are now, in turn, acting as role models, mentors and educators for the next generation.

IKF referee Olga Gandia, from Catalonia, spoke to us about her journey as a referee. Watch below.

This International Women’s Day, we hope that girls, boys, men, and women of all ages are inspired to “Give to Gain” in support of a truly gender-diverse and gender-equal world. To give respect, to give opportunity, to give a voice, to give support, and to give thanks because diversity brings strength and together we become stronger.

 

 

Join Our New Gender Equality & Inclusion Committee!

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Are you passionate about building a world where every individual, regardless of their gender, enjoys equal opportunities, respect, and representation?

Do you believe in the power of sport to drive positive change and promote inclusivity?

The IKF is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our Gender Equality & Inclusion Committee.

At IKF, we fully support the principle of gender equality on and off the pitch. Korfball, by design, is gender balanced and equal, and we vigorously advocate for this principle, demonstrating that equal collaboration can indeed create a brighter future for all. Our vision extends beyond the boundaries of sports; we aspire for people worldwide to personally experience the values of gender equality through korfball, at every level and in every function.

The IKF’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion is embedded in our new strategy, announced at the IKF Korfball Congress in October 2023 in Taipei. Now, we are seeking volunteers to help operationalise this vision and implement it within our organisation and sport. Our focus areas include:

1. Gender Equality:
– Establishing partnerships with leading organisations focused on gender equality.
– Harnessing IKF events to drive the gender equality agenda and supporting the IKF Events Committee in doing so.

2. Inclusion:
– Assisting National Organisations in implementing korfball for special needs.
– Supporting National Organisations in adopting inclusive volunteer policies during events.

As a committee member, you will play a vital role in supporting the IKF in defining the Gender Equality & Inclusion plans and facilitating their implementation within the unique context of our sport.

We are looking for volunteers who:
– Are passionate about gender equality and inclusion.
– Are culturally sensitive and embrace diversity.
– Bring a positive and enthusiastic attitude to their work.

If you are eager to promote Gender Equality and Inclusion through korfball globally, if you have innovative ideas to share, and if you’re ready to be part of a new team, we want to hear from you.

You can find all the details regarding this open call HERE.

Please apply via this FORM.

For further information, you can reach out to Anita Derks (Anita.derks@ikf.org), member of the IKF ExCo and the owner of this portfolio.

Together, let’s make a difference!

 

Header image: Marco Spelten