Istanbul Gathering Strengthens Women’s Leadership in Judo

Thirty-one participants from 15 countries came together in Istanbul for the second IJF Academy All Women Practical Session, combining technical judo education with open discussion about women’s experiences in the sport. Held from 7th to 12th September, the programme created space for learning, exchange and reflection both on and off the tatami.

The session included the IJF Academy practical curriculum alongside three WISH discussions held in the dojo. WISH, the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway programme, supports women through education, mentoring, leadership development and international networks. In Istanbul, participants explored the opportunities and barriers they may encounter as athletes, coaches, referees and leaders.

Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Secretary General, attended the opening day and underlined the importance of the initiative. She noted that the course was led by successful women and could help them share judo with younger women and girls in the future.

Dr Sanda Corak, head of the IJF Gender Equality Commission, led discussions with Loredana Lascau on gender equality and measures that can support women throughout their judo journeys. The conversations considered obstacles in private life and within sports systems, while also focusing on ideas that national federations and the IJF could develop to empower and retain women in judo.

The Istanbul session put technical learning and honest conversation in the same dojo.

Lascau, an IJF Sakura Programme expert, described the event as a continuation of the first all-women practical session in Rome in 2025. She introduced the Learn, Teach, Coach, Lead framework, following a path from an athlete’s own learning to teaching, coaching and leadership roles in clubs, federations and organisations. The aim is to build not only technical competence, but also confidence, communication, adaptability and leadership.

For Veronique Akkermans of the Netherlands, one of the group’s most experienced coaches, the atmosphere made a major difference. She welcomed the chance to ask questions in a positive setting and to learn from female coaches from other countries. While she said gender equality has been achieved in her country, she valued the opportunity to exchange perspectives with the international group.

Carline Young, a coach from Ontario, Canada, also highlighted the value of hearing women’s experiences from around the world. She said the WISH presentation gave her information and insight that she could bring back to her own organisation, particularly in her efforts to help women and girls remain in judo and find their place.

Tina Trstenjak, Olympic and world champion and IJF Academy expert, emphasised the value of a dedicated annual space for women to connect, learn and speak openly about challenges and opportunities. Her message was clear: when women support and empower each other, the entire judo community becomes stronger and more inclusive.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation