Inclusion, diversity, equality. These principles are the foundation of the brand-new gender equality commission that the President of the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA), Abderrahmane Hammad, has established.

Chaired by the former Olympic champion and two-time world champion in the 1500m, this commission will be responsible for ensuring equal access to opportunities for athletes, regardless of gender.

With equal opportunities, female athletes should, with the support of the equality commission, be able to achieve the empowerment that the COA envisions for “a more fair Algerian sport,” where women athletes will hold “the place they deserve,” according to Mr. Hammad.

The commission is thus tasked with promoting parity policies and initiatives for greater inclusion of women in sport, whether as athletes or as managers. Fighting against discrimination and violence against women in the sporting environment, instilling the Olympic spirit among athletes, and raising awareness about the principle of equality are also among the tools the commission will implement to accelerate progress on women athletes’ rights.

In her speech, the Olympic Champion Hassiba Boulmerka invited all stakeholders to work toward achieving these objectives, emphasizing that “equality is not just a slogan but a daily commitment that requires the cooperation of everyone.”