The International Judo Federation (IJF) and especially the IJF Gender Equality Commission, have been working for several years to improve gender equality in judo for all categories of populations. Today, when women’s contributions to society is more and more recognised and many countries are making incredible progress in implementing gender equality policies, we can be proud of the progress recorded in judo. The IJF is making sure that women are not only offered equal chances, but we are also continuously working on changing the general perception of our sport.
Today, we can see outstanding women athletes, also from countries where they did not exist a few years ago. The number and quality of women coaches is continuously growing and the results are, in many cases, spectacular, showing how valuable a mixed team of coaches can be. Women are also more present amongst our technical officials and referees, again bringing added value and quality to the work the IJF is doing.
I hope that our actions and policies are inspiring all our member national federations to invest in and develop women’s judo and in general attract more women to our sport, in all positions.
I would like to sincerely congratulate all women in the judo family for their activity and contribution and wish them continued success and many achievements! Thank you all!
Marius L. Vizer
IJF President