The Council of Europe’s Ad Hoc Group of Experts on Gender Mainstreaming in Anti-Doping (T-DO GEMA) has moved its work into the drafting phase, marking an important step towards the preparation of a future Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in anti-doping. The first focused expert discussion was held online on 23 April 2026 and addressed governance and policy as a key foundation for the future text.

Prepared by CAHAMA Gender Equality Rapporteur and GEMA Chair Rufat Efendiyev, the discussion paper was introduced as an initial drafting text intended to encourage expert input and support the next stage of the process. The draft was developed with careful consideration of the survey conclusions, the relevant principles developed by the Drafting Committee on Ensuring Gender Equality in Anti-Doping (GECA), and the broader Council of Europe reference framework.

At its core, the text places governance at the centre of the future Recommendation. It makes the case that gender equality in anti-doping should be addressed not as an isolated concern, but as a matter of public policy, institutional responsibility and good governance. The proposed measures cover legal and policy review, balanced representation in decision-making, institutional responsibilities, co-ordination, resourcing, accountability and the exchange of good practice.

The discussion also reflected the group’s broader commitment to developing a structured and practical Recommendation, capable of supporting public authorities and anti-doping organisations in integrating gender equality considerations into policies, institutional arrangements and operational practice, while strengthening fairness, clean sport and sport integrity.

The 23 April meeting forms part of a wider sequence of expert discussions taking place in April and May 2026. Initial drafting outputs are expected to be brought together for the next full GEMA meeting on 30 June 2026.

More information on the Council of Europe’s work on gender mainstreaming is available here:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/gender-mainstreaming