Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusion Through Table Tennis

Today is International Women’s Day! It is a day to celebrate the power, resilience, and achievements of women and people who identify as women around the world. At the ITTF Foundation, we keep standing firm in our commitment to gender equality, championing our 2024-2025 focus on Diversity and Inclusion. We have been dedicated to ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive in and beyond table tennis.

Reflecting on 2024: Progress and Challenges

Looking back on 2024, our efforts in improving gender equality remained steadfast. A total of 19% of ITTF Foundation projects focused on Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality. We tracked gender representation across our initiatives, with 48.9% of project participants and 28.3% of project leaders identifying as women. Women also made up 50.8% of project staff, reflecting a balanced approach.

This year, we also took a closer look at ourselves, expanding our commitment by assessing gender representation at various levels of the ITTF Foundation’s organizational structure, including the Governing Board & Board of Trustees, Team & Programme Leads, and Coordinators & Consultants. We aim to analyse gaps and identify opportunities for growth. Additionally, a significant milestone was the implementation of our Period & Menopause Policy, designed to support employees with flexible work arrangements and tailored remote work options.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. The percentage of female project leaders dropped by 7.4% compared to 2023, high-level leadership positions within our organisation continue to be male-dominated, and the majority of our social media followers are still men. Recognising these gaps, we will push further for greater female representation and engagement at all levels in the years ahead.

Click here to see the full overview of ITTF Foundation's contribution to Gender Equality in 2024.

Showcasing the Power of Women in Table Tennis

To cheer for the power of women in table tennis on this special day, we highlight the inspiring journeys of three remarkable women who have made significant achievements through our core programmes – Dream Building Fund, TT4ALL, and TT4Health. Their stories exemplify resilience, determination, and the belief in smashing down barriers through table tennis:

• Maedeh Parsa: Her strength is louder than words

Since joining the DBF project Rising Stars in Iran eight months ago, Maedeh Parsa has demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Representing the Tehran team at the Iran National Deaf Table Tennis Championship, she secured a bronze medal—an achievement that speaks volumes about her dedication and perseverance. Overcoming communication challenges, she continues to inspire those around her, proving that table tennis is a sport for everyone, regardless of ability.

“When I am at Spin Club, I feel that there is no difference between hearing and deaf people. I am part of the team. Through table tennis, I have improved my focus, learned decision-making skills, built better relationships, and made new friends. In the future, I aim to achieve more, both on the table and in life!”

• Aleena Edwards: Advocating and Empowering All through Table Tennis

From being a participant in the INTERACT+ online workshop to becoming a World Table Tennis Day 2025 Promoter, Aleena Edwards embodies the power of mentorship and advocacy.

Aleena’s talent in table tennis began at a young age. She won the US Open at just 11 years old. Her journey continued in Germany, where she played professionally. Today, she holds the record for the most National Singles titles in Trinidad and Tobago—13 in total. Besides professional achievements, she tirelessly advocates for gender equality in sport, ensuring that young female players have the resources and opportunities to excel in table tennis and beyond.

"International Women’s Day is deeply personal to me—not only for my passion for gender equality but also because it marks the day I lost my mother, a national table tennis player and an esteemed ITTF Blue Badge Umpire. I honor her memory by dedicating myself to uplifting and empowering young girls and women in table tennis, just as she did in Trinidad and Tobago, regionally, and internationally."

• Rie Koyama: Defying Limits with Table Tennis

Rie Koyama, 63 years old from Japan, is a testament to the power of sport in overcoming adversity. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, she refused to let the condition define her.

"I was lucky. My doctor didn’t just explain my diagnosis—he told me that table tennis could help slow the progression of Parkinson’s. The joy of discovering this outweighed the shock of the diagnosis. It was a miracle."

Rie’s passion for table tennis led her to compete in the 2024 World Table Tennis for Health Festival, where she won silver in Women’s Singles Class 1 and gold in Women’s Doubles Class 1. Despite her life challenges, she continues to advocate for table tennis as a sport that fosters connection and hope.

"Even after my diagnosis, my quality of life hasn’t declined—it has only improved. Table tennis has saved me many times in life. I will continue playing, competing, and spreading positivity because I believe that one day, Parkinson’s will be curable!" With her deep belief, Rie wants to share the message: "Never lose hope, no matter what. We are alive, so we must shine! Let’s do it together!"

Towards a More Equal and Inclusive Future

Looking forward, the ITTF Foundation will remain committed to fostering gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects of table tennis. Through our programmes, we will continue to support initiatives that empower women and girls. We reaffirm our pledge to break down barriers, amplify voices, and create opportunities for all.

Because when we advance gender equality, we strengthen communities. And when we champion inclusion, we build a better future for all.

Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 and let’s keep pushing for progress!

#IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #DiversityAndInclusion #GenderEquality