The 50 National Olympic Committees of Europe (ENOCs) last week threw their overwhelming support behind a motion to boost gender equality within the leadership of the European Olympic Committees (EOC).

The proposed amendment to the EOC’s Articles of Association was tabled at the 49th EOC General Assembly, held virtually on 27 November, and was approved by 43 of the 50 voting Members.

The amendment ensures that 30 percent gender representation will be achieved within the EOC Executive Committee starting from the next elective General Assembly, scheduled for 16 April 2021. A minimum of five of the 16 elected Members will now be required to be of each gender.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) under the leadership of its President Sarah Keane, who chairs the EOC Gender Equality in Sport Commission. Keane is the first female President of the Irish NOC and has been an outspoken advocate for the need for the EOC to become more gender balanced.

“This is a massive step forward for gender equality,” Keane said during the General Assembly. “There are a lot of views on how you might progress the gender agenda, and strive for balance; the most important thing, though, is taking concrete action. As a European community we are made up of diverse nations, and we value and thrive on this diversity. Today we saw the extent of how sport binds us together.

“It is inspirational to see the EOC leading from within. Through discussion, through listening, learning and sharing we have the ability to make substantial change, and today’s progress is testament to that.”

The proposal to amend the statutes had already been approved unanimously by the members of the Executive Committee at its ninth meeting of 2020.

IOC President Thomas Bach referenced the proposal during his keynote speech at the virtual General Assembly and urged the 50 ENOCs to support the motion, stressing its importance for the future of the Olympic Movement.