Looking back at SUPPORTER final conference!
On June 4–5, 2025, the diverse community of the SUPPORTER project gathered in Prague for its Final Conference. Sports students, researchers, higher education staff, policymakers, and practitioners of gender equality all played a crucial role in these two days of meaningful exchange, learning, and reflection.
As the SUPPORTER project nears its end, the Final Conference in Prague stands as a pivotal moment in the project’s quest to foster safer, more inclusive, and gender-equal environments in sports and higher education institutions across Central and Eastern Europe.
With over 160 participants, the event brought together inspiring voices and fresh perspectives from across the region and beyond.
A big thank you to Charles University, our host, for welcoming us to Prague, to all speakers, student leaders, sister project representatives, and participants who contributed to the discussions.
Conference highlights
4 June – Creating safe and inclusive ecosystems in sports and higher education: How students can make a difference
This session explored how students are shaping change within their institutions and communities. From student-led initiatives to peer-to-peer interventions, participants shared practical strategies and personal experiences demonstrating the power of youth-led advocacy in preventing gender-based violence and promoting inclusive practices.
Watch the recording
5 June – Advancing Gender Equality Plans in widening higher education institutions: challenges, insights, and strategies
The second day brought together diverse voices from the SUPPORTER consortium and sister projects to reflect on GEP implementation in sports, agriculture, and research-focused institutions. The sessions provided valuable insights into overcoming structural and cultural barriers and highlighted adaptable models for institutional transformation.
What's next for SUPPORTER?
As the SUPPORTER project wraps up, the work toward more inclusive and gender-equal sports and higher education environments continues.
SUPPORTER is releasing a series of practical factsheets designed to support ongoing action at the institutional and policy levels.
Two factsheets are already available:
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For coaches: Practical tips on fostering safe, inclusive team environments and addressing gender inequalities in sport.
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For Universities and Faculties of Sport: Recommendations to help institutions advance gender equality and protect the wellbeing of students and staff through inclusive Gender Equality Plans.
More factsheets are coming soon!