Japan Rowing Association (JARA) has signed the IWG’s Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration, becoming the latest World Rowing Member Federation to do so.
The Declaration is an international treaty that has become a road map to support the ongoing development of a more fair and equitable system of sport and physical activity, fully inclusive of women and girls. By signing the Declaration, JARA is demonstrating its commitment to improving gender equality within the sport of rowing in Japan, with a particular focus on leadership and participation.
The signing took place at the JARA offices in Tokyo at the end of last year, as part of the IWG’s visit to the Japanese capital for their Annual General Meeting. Mr Toichi Sakata, President of JARA, began the meeting by declaring it ‘an important and useful occasion’ as he took the opportunity to update on the work they have been delivering around coaching and mentorship, sustainability and building knowledge as they strive towards their targets of 40% female representation on the board and 50% in participation.
Speaking after the signing, Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, chair of IWG, said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Japan Rowing Association headquarters in Tokyo, and to receive such a warm welcome by the President Mr Toichi and members from the Senior Leadership Team.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand of their sincere commitment to tackling gender equality and their understanding of the challenges, along with the need to take deliberate action.
“It was also refreshing to see their keenness to join the IWG’s global network and willingness to learn from other organisations from around the world. I’m delighted we have been able to strengthen our relationship with JARA and I welcome them as the latest signatory of our Brighton plus Helsinki Declaration.”
Mr Toichi Sakata, President of JARA, said: “Japan Rowing Association (JARA) celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. And as a legacy for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, we announced the “Japan Rowing Association 2020 Vision” in November 2021.
“The environment surrounding the sport is changing day by day, and the Rowing Association itself has decided to take systematic action to address various issues, such as establishing governance and strengthening its financial base, with the aim of developing the rowing industry.
“For us, signing this IWG’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, we believe that it is a kick-off on gender and an opportunity to think together about the future that we should be heading for in the next 10 to 20 years, in light of the changing external environment surrounding the rowing community in our country.
“Looking to the future, JARA believes that it is important for all people, both those who watch and those who support us as rowing competitors, to participate in and enjoy the sport with gender equality.”
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