Empowering Coaching in Table Tennis: Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway Workshop with ITTF Development

The ITTF Foundation, in collaboration with ITTF Development, continues to champion gender equity in sports through the Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway workshops. Building on the momentum from earlier this year, these workshops provide guidance and strategies to address barriers that hinder the participation of girls and women in sports, fostering an inclusive, positive, and accessible environment for all.

The Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway workshops are part of a broader effort led by TAFISA in partnership with Nike. The ITTF Foundation is committed to the initiative as an implementing partner, promoting Diversity and Inclusion in sport. Conducted by TT4ALL Coordinator Mayssa Bsaibes and Social Impact Manager Julia Tappendorf, these workshops aim to empower individuals through table tennis while breaking down gender-related barriers within their community.

Building on previous workshops for World Table Tennis Day Promoters and the Dream Building Fund project ‘Smash Barriers: Every Table is a Playground,’ the latest series focused on table tennis coaches and alumni from ITTF Development’s ‘My Gender. My Strength.’ (MGMS) and ‘Mentorship’ projects. Held on 16, 23, and 30 October 2024, these workshops brought together 14 coaches—13 female and 1 male—from five continents, with everyone highly committed to fostering gender equity in table tennis.

Workshop Highlights: Breaking Barriers in Coaching

Aiming to empower girls, women and people identifying as girls or women in sport, address gender inequity, and promote understanding and sensitivity in sporting contexts, the workshops offered participants insights into key topics such as challenges and pathways to increase female participation, social and cultural perceptions of body image, gender stereotypes, and safeguarding in sport. Through structured strategies and practical guidance, participants were equipped with tools to form supportive and inclusive environments, overcome psychological, physical, and social challenges faced especially by female players, and raise awareness about critical issues like emotional abuse, mental health challenges, and gender bias.

The interactive sessions during the workshops also played a pivotal role, allowing participants to share experiences, engage in collective problem-solving, and establish a space for open dialogue that centred on intersectionality, acknowledging and celebrating the diverse and overlapping identities shaping their experiences and perspectives.

Mamata Prabhu, a participant from India and part of the My Gender. My Strength. project, shared:

“It is necessary that we create a positive and neutral environment for all kids and girls in sports. As a women's coach, it is really important to stay strong, speak for yourself, and act as a role model for the girls. I am sure we will bring the change and uplift every girl and woman in society through sports, helping them reach where they deserve to be.”

Katarzyna Kubas-Ziemiańska, Head of ITTF Development Projects, also highlighted the significance of the workshops:

“The workshop was a meaningful initiative aimed at providing coaches with essential knowledge to foster inclusive, supportive, and safe environments for women and girls in sport. Thanks to the ITTF Foundation for providing a valuable platform to engage with alumni from the MGMS and Mentorship projects, strengthening long-term connections and adding to their prior learnings to further enhance their impact.”

Shaping the Future of Table Tennis

Through the Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway initiative and its workshops, we are not only addressing current challenges but also shaping the future of table tennis as a sport that truly includes everyone. These workshops mark the start of an ongoing journey. The Girls’ Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway project will keep growing, as we continue bringing the workshops to more audiences and monitor and support participants while they implement these learnings into their local communities to make lasting impacts.

A heartfelt thank you to ITTF Development and all the participants for their dedication to this mission. Through inclusive coaching practices, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment, we are building a platform that champions gender equity, empowerment, and opportunity in table tennis.