To celebrate International Women’s Day, World Triathlon is proud to recognise some of the incredible women who shape and strengthen our sport around the world.

Across this special series, we highlight women who embody the spirit of this year’s theme: Give to Gain. Through their leadership, mentorship and commitment to the global triathlon community, these women demonstrate that when we give our time, knowledge and support, we create opportunities for others to grow and thrive.

Because when we give, we gain. Together, we can help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

In this feature, we speak with Caterina Vacchi, Member of the World Triathlon Executive Board and Vice President of the Italian Triathlon Federation. Through her leadership in governance and international sport administration, she continues to advocate for stronger representation, inclusive decision-making and sustainable development across the global triathlon community.

Why is female representation at decision making level essential in global sport?
From my experience as a member of the Executive Board of World Triathlon and Vice President of the Italian Triathlon Federation, I have seen firsthand how governance shapes not only policies, but culture.

Female representation at decision making level is essential because sport reflects society. If leadership does not mirror the diversity of its athletes and communities, decisions risk being partial, unintentionally exclusive or short sighted.

Women bring different life experiences, leadership styles and priorities. This diversity improves governance quality, risk assessment, safeguarding frameworks, athlete welfare policies and long term development strategies.

In triathlon, women are not a niche, they are athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and executives. When women are present in decision-making rooms, the conversation changes. It becomes more balanced, more sustainable and more future oriented.

We are also fortunate to operate in a sport that has often been ahead of its time. Under the leadership of Marisol Casado, former President of World Triathlon, the federation set important benchmarks such as equal prize money for men and women, structural attention to safeguarding and growing awareness around maternity protection and athlete career transitions. This demonstrates that equality is not a theory, it is a governance choice.

Talent and preparation do not have a gender. Nor does the ability to work as a team across genders. Governance improves when we integrate different perspectives, professional journeys and leadership styles into a shared vision.

Representation is not symbolic. It is structural and it strengthens decision-making.

How can leadership tables become more inclusive and diverse?
Inclusion does not happen organically, it requires intention and governance tools.

First, transparency in nomination and election processes is fundamental. Clear criteria, term limits and structured succession planning create access points for new leaders and ensure that roles are earned through competence.

Second, mentoring and leadership pathways matter. Within World Triathlon, we are working hard on mentoring projects because preparation must come before opportunity.

Third, cultural change is necessary. Leadership tables must move from a model of “inviting diversity” to one of “expecting diversity.” This includes flexible meeting formats, recognition of different leadership styles and active listening practices that allow diverse viewpoints to translate into stronger collective decisions.

Finally, accountability is key. Diversity objectives should be measurable, reported and embedded into governance strategies. Inclusion must be part of institutional responsibility, not personal goodwill.

Inclusive leadership is not about replacing one group with another, it is about raising the collective quality of decision making.

What barriers still exist for women in governance roles?
The barriers today are often less visible than in the past, but they remain real.

Time is a structural barrier. Many governance roles are still designed around traditional professional and family models that historically favoured men.

Networks can also be an obstacle. Informal power circles sometimes unintentionally exclude women, particularly at international level where traditionally male-dominated sporting environments may still influence access to decision making spaces.

It is also important to recognise that the global landscape is not uniform. In some countries and sporting systems, women still face significant structural or cultural restrictions in accessing governance roles. Progress in one federation or region cannot be assumed everywhere, and international sport governance must remain attentive to these disparities.

Another challenge is perception. Women in leadership are sometimes evaluated differently, expected to repeatedly prove competence or navigate contradictory expectations of strength and approachability.

Finally, there is the challenge of self-selection. Too many talented women underestimate their readiness. Visible female leadership helps normalise ambition and encourages participation.

Even in a progressive environment like triathlon, governance evolution requires continuous attention.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership positions in sport?
First: prepare. Competence builds confidence. Study governance, finance, regulations and strategy, not only sport.

Second: show up. Attend assemblies, volunteer for commissions and ask questions. Visibility creates opportunity.

Third: build alliances and work as a team. Leadership is relational. Support other women and collaborate with men who believe in inclusive governance. Diverse teams make stronger decisions.

Fourth: be patient but persistent. Governance is a long game. Change happens through consistency, not noise.

And finally: do not wait to feel ready. Leadership is learned by doing. If you care about sport, athletes, integrity and development, your voice belongs at the table.

For me, governance is service and service is stronger when it includes all competencies, perspectives and talents. Because talent, preparation and the ability to work as a team do not have a gender.

This International Women’s Day, World Triathlon celebrates the women who continue to shape our sport through leadership, mentorship and action. Because when one woman gives, the entire community gains.

Across this series, led by World Triathlon and the World Triathlon Women’s Committee, we celebrate the women whose contributions continue to shape a more inclusive, supportive and equitable future for triathlon worldwide.