What is ALIGN

ALIGN is a 24-month European project advancing gender equality, inclusion, and ethical governance in sports across Ukraine, Moldova, and the Neighbourhood East.

Sport governance in Ukraine and Moldova is evolving. More women and diverse voices are stepping into leadership, bringing new energy and perspectives. Yet progress is uneven. Decision-making spaces still do not fully reflect those shaping sport, and women and marginalised groups remain underrepresented — especially at the top.

The war in Ukraine accelerated change. Women stepped into leadership out of necessity, proving their capacity under pressure. But the systems did not keep pace. Structures built for another time still shape decisions.

ALIGN steps in to turn this momentum into lasting reform — embedding inclusion and equality into how sport is governed.

Gender-responsive governance must become a permanent feature of sports institutions — not an emergency adaptation, but a structural reality.

ALIGN is funded under the Erasmus+ Sport Capacity Building call (ERASMUS-SPORT-2025-CB), Grant Agreement 101243247. 

The project runs from April 2026 to March 2028, led by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.