Gender Equality at International University Sports Federation events.
Over the past decades, FISU has led the way in this direction, with path-breaking adaptations to its sports events. Today, there are mixed team disciplines at various FISU events, including those in archery, sailing, triathlon and ski jumping, among many others.
Rapid strides have also been made with regards to the number of female competitors at FISU’s flagship sports event – the World University Games – over the last 20 years.
In 1999, at the Summer Universiade held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, there were 2,635 male athletes as compared to 1,441 female competitors.
By the time the Napoli 2019 Summer Universiade came around, the number was nearly equal, with 3,100 men and 2,793 women – 52% and 48% respectively. This is a result of a concerted effort and implementation of FISU’s longterm strategies, in which gender equality is among the top priorities.