Run Communications are delighted to be supporting Women in Football (WIF) - the leading organisation focused on supporting and championing gender equality within the game - on a pro bono basis to help champion their mission to propel policy change as they promote their Open Doors Agenda and address the football governance bill being reintroduced to Parliament.

WIF sees the introduction of a football code of governance, to be introduced as part of the independent football regulator in England, as a unique opportunity to tackle the glaring lack of progress towards gender equality in the game, pointing out that the current draft of the bill lacks any provisions on diversity. 

Yvonne Harrison, CEO of Women in Football, said: 

“We strongly believe that omitting equality, diversity, and inclusion from the code will hold back the work we, our members and allies are doing to address the current gender inequality within the game. 

“We believe that moving beyond mere 'encouragement' is necessary, as current targets are not being met, and progress is too slow. A governance code that fails to address diversity would be a glaring omission, especially when compared to other governance codes that mandate board-level diversity.” 

Women and other underrepresented groups remain significantly underrepresented in football leadership. Only 10% of Premier League board members and 5% of EFL Championship board members are women, and the picture is even less positive globally. 

The Open Doors Agenda, developed last year by Women in Football after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, urges FIFA and the global game to create a fully gender-inclusive workplace by providing a blueprint for governance. This includes clear targets for diverse leadership of 30% female representation, inclusive recruitment, and anti-discrimination and safeguarding policies. 

The calls follow WIF’s annual survey results which highlighted that, while progress has been made towards a gender-diverse workplace in the football industry, there remain fundamental issues which need to be addressed to realise widespread change, with 89% of female respondents having experienced gender-based discrimination at work.  

Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of the Football Association (The FA), joined WIF’s Summer Reception to discuss football’s global governance and the benefits of diverse leadership to ensure those leading and governing the game better reflect what we see on the pitch and in the stands. 

The work between Run x (Run’s dedicated women’s sport practice) & Women in Football kicked off this week as they secured features on BBC Sport, BBC Radio, The Telegraph, The Guardian & The Sun on the back of Women in Football’s event at The House of Lord’s with Debbie Hewitt MBE (Chair of The Football Association). They will also be supporting on an ongoing basis to maintain momentum and keep the policy asks forefront of mind amongst key audiences. 

Jess Arnold, Run x Director of Women’s Sport said: “We truly believe in the brilliant & important work that Women in Football do and are delighted to play a small part in helping champion their important mission".   

Women in Football (WIF) are the leading organisation focused on supporting and championing gender equality within the game. For more information, go to www.womeninfootball.co.uk