Many women leading in sport face unique challenges: navigating male-dominated systems, leading under intense scrutiny, and pushing for inclusion within structures not built for them. Across contexts—from grassroots communities to elite competition—these women are often required to be resilient before they are recognised and exceptional before they are trusted. Too often, they struggle to find a way of leading that feels true to who they are.

In response, Women Emerging launches a 2026 expedition for women across the global sports ecosystem, in partnership with Advancing Olympism 365, supported by Beyond Sport and Women Win, an expedition for women leading across the global sports ecosystem.

The expedition brings together 24 explorers over a period of 5 months, including athletes, coaches, administrators, entrepreneurs, journalists, and policymakers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, spanning generations from their 20s to 50s.