Join us at Breaking Barriers 2025, a transformative conference dedicated to advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in sports. Building on the success of our 2024 event, we are excited to bring this impactful conference back, continuing to explore the power of gender and sustainability. This year’s event will once again challenge norms and foster innovation in the sports industry. Gain valuable insights, forge new collaborations, and be part of shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for sports.
Introduction
In today’s evolving sports landscape, the need for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) remains crucial.
This conference focuses on examining EDI in sports, with a renewed emphasis on gender and sustainability. Our goal is to challenge and disrupt existing norms in the sports industry while exploring the intersection of EDI, gender dynamics, and sustainability. We aim to unravel complexities and pave the way for transformative change within the sports arena.
Objectives
We invite contributions from scholars, researchers, and practitioners across disciplines such as sports management, sociology, gender studies, environmental science, and business. We encourage diverse formats, including academic paper presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and case study presentations to facilitate a holistic exploration of the conference themes:
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- Historical Foundations: Investigate the historical roots of EDI in sports, analysing its evolution and understanding how historical perspectives shape contemporary challenges and opportunities.
- Gender Dynamics: Explore the role of gender in sports, addressing disparities, biases, and the impact of women’s participation in shaping a more inclusive sporting environment.
- Sustainability in Sports: Examine the intersection of sustainability and sports, focusing on eco-friendly practices, ethical considerations, and the role of sports in promoting environmental awareness.
- Disrupting the Sports Industry: Analyze innovative approaches and disruptive strategies aimed at challenging traditional norms within the sports industry, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change.
- Empowerment through Sport: Discuss how sports can be a platform for empowerment, not only in terms of gender but also in fostering a sense of belonging, leadership, and community engagement.
- Social Responsibility: Explore the responsibilities of sports organizations and individuals in promoting social justice, inclusivity, and contributing to the broader well-being of communities.
Expected Outcomes
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- In-depth Understanding: Participants will gain a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of EDI, gender, and sustainability within the sports landscape.
- Innovative Solutions: Insights into innovative solutions and strategies for disrupting the sports industry in favour of greater inclusivity and sustainability.
- Networking and Collaboration: Opportunities to establish connections and collaborations between academics, industry professionals, and activists passionate about reshaping the future of sports.
Conclusion
By convening diverse perspectives on EDI, gender, sustainability, and disruptive innovation, this conference aspires to be a catalyst for positive change in the sports industry. We invite scholars, researchers, practitioners, and advocates to join us in exploring how we can collectively break barriers and create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for sports.
Organisers
Richmond Gender in Sport Research Centre, Richmond American University London, RIASA campus in Leeds
Contact Details
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- Lucia Morawska, email: morawsl@richmond.ac.uk
- Samantha Bracey, email: braceys@richmond.ac.uk
Submission of Abstracts
Submit by 31 March 2025. Applicants will be notified by 30 April 2025. Please send 250-word proposals with a 100-word author bio to Lucia or Samantha.
Conference Fees
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- Early bird registration (by 15 May): £60
- Standard registration: £100
- ECRs and postgraduate students: £50
