Kelmendi at conference on Gender Equity: Together we are Stronger

On 19 September, one day prior to Judo Worlds, the IJF hosted its inaugural Conference on Gender Equity in the Hilton Hotel in Baku. The Conference was chaired by Lisa Allan, IJF Head of Gender Equity. One o the guests was Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS), World and OIympic Champion.

Driton Kuka, Head Coach of Kosovo and his Olympic champion Majlinda Kelmendi explained what they accomplished for their country what no government was able to do. “I believe that my medal will change the life of many women in my country. What my coach and I did for Kosovo no one could do. In judo we learn that we have to support each other first,” Majlinda said. “I noticed that girls worked harder than boys,” Coach Kuka commented. “In my experience women show more discipline and focus with good results later.”

Austrian athlete Sabrina Filzmoser stated that sport empowers girls. “Set your aims very high as a girl. Sport can be a force to tear down barriers for girls and women.”

Croatian Judo Federation President Sanda Čorak states that gender equality is a complex social issue and result of tradition and culture. It cannot be solved in a short period of time and only from a sport perspective. “IJF can make a further progress only in partnership with NJFs. For development of judo we all have to take advantage of the full potential of the population – men and women, as TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!”

Judo Coach Yuko Fuji (JPN) shared her experience as a female coach of the Brazilian Men’s Judo Team. “I don’t consider myself a pioneer”, she stated. “Moreover, this honour can be bestowed only on my boss Ney Wilson when he put me in charge of the Men’s Team.” She also quoted former Head Coach Luiz Shinohara. “No matter whether you are woman or man, but competence does matter.”