OFI institute 40% gender quota for board of directors
The Olympic Federation of Ireland have passed a motion for 40% gender balance on Executive Committee
The Olympic Federation of Ireland has unanimously passed a motion for a minimum gender balance of 40% on its Executive Committee at its AGM.
OFI President Sarah Keane and Honorary General Secretary Sarah O'Shea welcomed over one hundred delegates to the meeting, with Minister for Sport Jack Chambers and Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy addressing member federations.
The 40% minimum gender balance, which will now be enshrined in the OFI constitution, will ensure that no gender can be represented less than 40% on the board.
Following the meeting, OFI CEO Peter Sherrard hailed the passage of the motion, saying the organisation would benefit.
"It was an important day to have this milestone approved at our AGM by our 39 member sports who unanimously approved the changes.
"It means that from 2020 and the new elections we will have a minimum 40% gender balance on the board. Gender diversity is extremely important and has been shown to enhance good decision making. Ultimately we all benefit."
OFI AGM - groundbreaking unanimous vote in favour of minimum 40% gender balance!!
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) September 8, 2020
Peter Sherrard, OFI CEO describes what this means to the Olympic Federation of Ireland #TeamIreland ☘️ pic.twitter.com/FxEue4B5Oi
At the meeting, it was also announced that the OFI would set up a partnership memorandum on certain common areas of strategic interest with Paralympics Ireland.