We’ve been in this sports-for-development game for a while. And one thing is clear: across the world, women-led organizations are shaking things up, breaking down barriers, and creating spaces where all young people—especially girls—can thrive. This is especially true in the social skate scene, where Skateistan and many of our partners are proving that representation isn’t just a bonus—it’s the key to pushing things further than ever before.

‍

Flipping the switch on representation

For way too long, leadership in sports-for-development has been dominated by men, reinforcing cycles of exclusion. But as more women step into leadership roles, things are changing. These shifts aren’t just about fairness—they create spaces that are more inclusive, empowering, and reflective of the communities they serve.

Eliane, Head of Programs at Skateistan, puts it best: “Having women-led organizations shows the world that women exist, are not for trade, that they can lead, and can do great work outside of home. It increases the confidence of girls who look up to these women leaders, and it also paints a different portrait of reality for boys when it comes to the role of women in their lives.”

But before we talk about all the positives, let’s be real: this hasn’t been easy. And like skateboarding, going uphill is always the hardest part.

Pushing uphill

Women-led organizations are making huge strides, but they still face massive challenges—from gender bias in leadership spaces to fighting for funding that male-led initiatives receive more easily.

“Women-led organizations are more likely to be underfunded, questioned, and scrutinized at levels their male counterparts rarely experience,” says Hala, Co-Executive Director at Skateistan. “The system is still heavily dominated by men, especially when it comes to fundraising, where donors are overwhelmingly male and operate within their own networks.”

This isn’t just a theory—it’s something women leaders experience every day. Norma Ibarra, a skateboarder, photographer, and part of Skateistan Partner U Can Skate in Mexico, knows the struggle firsthand:

“Many industries still prioritize supporting male-led initiatives. We also have to navigate biases that question our expertise or abilities. In male-dominated spaces, we often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.”

And it’s not just about funding. Eliane points out how women’s ideas often get dismissed until a man backs them, or how they’re “expected to take on administrative tasks just because of their gender.” These constant hurdles make it exhausting to keep pushing forward—but push forward they do.

For the youth

Women-led organizations don’t just work effectively—they shift narratives. They create safer, more inclusive environments where young people can see themselves reflected in leadership. Rhianon—who leads Skateistan’s Goodpush Alliance, a global resource-sharing network for over 1,000 organizations—sees this play out daily.

“We know that it’s essential for children and young people to have role models they identify with, and who have faced similar challenges,” she says. “Shifting skateboarding from a vastly male-dominated activity to one that is more gender-diverse has only been possible by having women in visible leadership roles.”

And the impact is undeniable. Luciana, Founder of Skateistan Partner, 2 Das Minas, sees it firsthand every day: 

“Students love seeing female leadership. They feel safe and know we are fighting for their rights. This generates trust and responsibility—we never want to let them down.”

The next big push

So, what’s next? Women leaders in sports for development aren’t looking for applause—they’re working towards a future where their leadership isn’t seen as the exception but the norm. 

Tin, Director at Skateistan Cambodia, puts it perfectly: “For me, leadership is about building a bridge—one that allows others to cross. I want to see more women leading, more girls knowing they can be anything they want, and communities building bridges that truly support them.”

Bryony, Programme Manager of Skateistan Partner The Lotus Flower, adds: “We hope to see women and girls actively shaping decisions that affect their lives, challenging traditional gender roles, and thriving in spaces where they were once excluded.”

At Skateistan, we know this future is possible. But it’s going to take real support—funding, recognition, and the collective effort of allies who are willing to step up. 

In 2023, Skateistan became a women-led organization when Hala Khalaf stepped up as Co-Executive Director, alongside Founder Oliver Percovich. Progress like this doesn’t just rely on the accomplishments and drive of women, it requires men to create space for more diverse leadership. And with the growing backlash against DEI initiatives worldwide, recognizing this truth has never been more urgent.

Hala puts it bluntly:

“A world where women thrive is a world that will survive. Allies—whether individuals, organizations, or donors—must step up to ensure women don’t lose the progress they’ve fought for.”

At Skateistan, we’re proud to be a women-led organization, working alongside incredible Partners who share our commitment to breaking barriers. By supporting and uplifting women in leadership, we’re not just changing skateboarding—we’re helping the next generation of girls take control of their futures, and in turn, shaping the future of our world.

‍