These include competencies such as communication, teamwork, management, and coaching, all of which are critical for enabling sustainable careers after competitive sports.

Project progress: First Three Months

Since its launch in January 2025, the GENDERWISE project has focused on foundational activities designed to ensure quality implementation and stakeholder engagement:

• The project’s initial transnational coordination meeting was held in Zagreb, hosted by the project coordinator, Sports School PESG (Croatia).
• A robust project management system has been established using collaborative platforms to ensure smooth coordination and documentation across the consortium.
• Work on the development of the project’s digital infrastructure has commenced, including the layout and structure for 24 MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) modules, which will later be hosted on an innovative learning platform currently under development.
• A comprehensive dissemination and outreach strategy has been finalized, including visual identity elements, communication guidelines, and timelines for key outputs and engagement activities.

Digital innovation and inclusion

At the core of GENDERWISE is the creation of a user-friendly digital platform that will serve as a learning and mentoring environment. It will provide:

• MOOC-based education tailored to the needs of young female athletes.
• Structured learning pathways with integrated assessments.
• Peer-to-peer mentoring with experienced female leaders in sport.
• A virtual support community aimed at fostering inclusivity and long-term engagement.

Special attention is being given to ensuring the platform’s accessibility, including features for visually and hearing-impaired users, as well as its availability in multiple languages to serve all partner countries.

Dissemination and stakeholder engagement

Dissemination activities are central to the project’s success. The consortium is currently implementing a strategic outreach plan to raise awareness among relevant stakeholders, including:

• Sports organizations and clubs.
• Educational institutions and vocational training providers.
• Gender equality advocacy groups.
• Policymakers at local, national, and European levels.

GENDERWISE’s presence will be further amplified through social media, newsletters, a dedicated website, and the publication of regular articles on EPALE and other professional platforms. Each partner will contribute two EPALE articles during the project, ensuring continuous visibility and knowledge sharing across the adult education and sports sectors.

Looking ahead

In the coming weeks, GENDERWISE will continue conducting its structured questionnaires and interviews across all six participating countries. These tools are being implemented not only to collect data from young female athletes but also to engage directly with former successful athletes, coaches, educators, and sports organizations. The goal is to ensure that the forthcoming educational content and digital tools are precisely aligned with the actual needs and expectations of those they are intended to serve.

Parallel to this, the initial drafting of MOOC modules will begin, guided by the insights gathered during this consultation phase. This content development process is closely aligned with the broader mission of the project, supporting dual career pathways and promoting gender equality, while being firmly grounded in the current experiences, challenges and aspirations of the target group.

These early-phase activities will lay the foundation for the piloting and implementation stages planned later in the project. By ensuring that the educational materials and digital tools are co-created with and for the end users, GENDERWISE is building a framework that will contribute to more inclusive and sustainable models of sports leadership across Europe.

GENDERWISE is not only a response to current disparities in sport but also a proactive investment in the future of European values like equality, inclusion, and innovation. Through high-quality education, digital tools, and transnational cooperation, the project is creating pathways for young women to lead, inspire, and transform the sports landscape.

For more information, please visit the project social networks (Facebook, Instagram) or contact the project coordinator via www.pesg.hr.