Gender Balance Working Group

Description: 

The EAF Gender Balance Working Group was established in January 2025 to strengthen cooperation among European Aikido member federations and to promote gender equality across the continent. It coordinates regional initiatives, seminars, and forums within the EU framework to foster inclusion, balanced participation, and the exchange of best practices.

Mission:

To support European Aikido Federation’s members in building a gender-balanced and inclusive community by facilitating collaboration, developing shared strategies, and promoting opportunities for women and men to participate equally in all aspects of Aikido.

Composition and organisation

How to become a member

All EAF member countries are entitled to appoint one delegate to our Working Group. The nomination should come through the national federation’s board — individual applications are not accepted.

Partner groups

IAF Gender Balance Working Group

Description: The IAF Gender Balance Working Group promotes equality and inclusion within the global Aikido community. It supports member federations in advancing gender balance in practice, leadership, and governance worldwide.

Link:

https://www.aikido-international.org/working-groups/gender-balance-working-group

https://www.instagram.com/gwg.iaf/

Contact: genderequality@aikido-international.org 

Mulheres no Aikido

Description: The autonomous Women in Aikido program aims to foster greater gender balance and inclusion within the Portuguese Aikido Federation.

It seeks to demonstrate that Aikido is a martial art accessible to everyone, without the need for gender segregation.

The program focuses on increasing the visibility of women practitioners, encouraging greater female participation in teaching and leadership roles to serve as examples and inspiration for those wishing to begin their practice, promoting initiatives that foster broader understanding and support for the cause.

Coordinator: Alexandra Duarte

Link:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561606687150

https://www.instagram.com/mulheresnoaikido.fpa?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Contact: mulheresnoaikido@gmail.com

Others…

Activities

Balance & Excellence

Date and place: 27 September 2025 in Lisbon

Description: 

Balance and Excellence is a European Gender Balance Day organized under the framework of the EAF Gender Balance Working Group. Held during the European Week of Sport, the event promotes gender equality and inclusion in Aikido by welcoming both men and women to practice, exchange, and reflect together. It combines Aikido training, demonstrations, and dialogue sessions, offering a platform to share experiences and strengthen cooperation among European member federations.

Impact:

The 2025 edition in Lisbon gathered around 100 practitioners from different EU countries, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across generations and genders. The event increased awareness of gender balance in Aikido and inspired dojos to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for all. By linking Aikido to EU initiatives for equality and social inclusion, Balance and Excellence contributes to a lasting cultural shift toward a more balanced and connected Aikido community.

Read more about the project here