In a landmark show of unity and purpose, the Judo Home Nations, British Judo, JudoScotland, England Judo, Welsh Judo, and the Northern Ireland Judo Federation, have officially signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, reinforcing their collective commitment to gender equity in sport.
The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, established by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, is a globally recognised framework that promotes the full involvement of women and girls at all levels and in all functions and roles within sport. By signing this declaration, the Judo Home Nations join a worldwide movement of organisations dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable environments where women and girls can thrive.
This ground-breaking signing took place during the British National Team Championships, attended by all the Home Nations and witnessed by Judoka, supporters, and dignitaries, including Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG.
BJA Chair Gerry Gualtieri said, “Signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration is a defining moment for British Judo and the wider Home Nations. As Chair of British Judo, I am immensely proud to formally commit our organisation to the global movement for gender equity in sport. This declaration reinforces our belief that judo must be a place where everyone—regardless of gender—has equal opportunity to participate, lead, and succeed. Together with our Home Nation partners, we are laying the foundations for a more inclusive and representative future for judo across the UK.”
Sarah Barritt, Performance Lead at Northern Ireland Judo added “As part of the Home Nations initiative, Northern Ireland Judo is delighted to show our commitment to females in sport through the signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration. Our values are very much about making everyone feel welcome on the mats, and we want both the female members we have, and new ones that join to feel welcome, empowered and part of a fully inclusive Judo organisation for all.”
Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the British National Team Championships today, and to welcome British Judo, Judo Scotland, England Judo, Welsh Judo and the Northern Ireland Judo Federation as signatories to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.
“It was clear from spectating at the event that Judo is a welcoming place for women and girls at every level, and it was brilliant to learn about the collaborative efforts which the Home Nations have made together in order to advance gender equality in the sport.
“Sharing knowledge and learning from each other is at the heart of IWG, and the Judo Home Nations embody this. It’s something the IWG is keen to showcase more of as we build towards our IWG Global Summit in Birmingham 2026, and I’m really pleased we can share the story of the Judo Home Nations with the wider IWG network.”
This collective action underscores the Home Nations’ shared vision of a more inclusive future for judo, where opportunities for participation, leadership, and recognition are equally accessible to all, regardless of gender.
For more information about the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, visit https://iwgwomenandsport.org/
