IOC Launches Special Working Group to Safeguard Women's Sports Amid Evolving Gender Policies

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the formation of four specialized working groups, with one focused on "protecting the female category" in sports, as part of its efforts to modernize the Olympic structure under new president Kirsty Coventry. The Zimbabwean swimmer, who made history as the first woman to lead the IOC in March, emphasized the need for the organization to take a proactive role in shaping gender-related discussions within athletics.

The newly created working group on women's sports will examine strategies to preserve the integrity of female competition, though the IOC has not disclosed its members, stating they will include "experts and international federations" to ensure confidentiality. This move comes amid growing tensions over transgender athlete participation, with several sports governing bodies implementing restrictions on individuals who have undergone male puberty in elite female events. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order barring transgender women from competing in female categories, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and pledged to deny visas to such athletes.

Coventry highlighted that the working groups aim to streamline decision-making, leverage technical expertise, and realign the IOC's priorities to strengthen its global influence. "These groups will receive constant feedback to ensure alignment and full integration of recommendations," she stated. Meanwhile, other committees will assess the Olympic program's evolution, explore cross-disciplinary sports integration, and oversee the selection process for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games.

The IOC has traditionally delegated gender regulations to individual sports federations, but the new initiative signals a shift toward centralized guidance. As the organization navigates complex ethical and regulatory challenges, the female category working group's role in defining boundaries for fair competition remains a critical focal point.