FMAC signs Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration in support of women’s Empowerment in sport

In conjunction with the month-long celebration of Emirati Women’s Day 2026, Fujairah Martial Arts Club signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration on Women and Sport, issued by the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG), on Monday, at the Club’s headquarters in the Emirate of Fujairah.

By signing the declaration, the club joins more than 700 international organisations committed to advancing the participation and empowerment of women and girls in sport.

The signing reflects the Club’s participation in the national celebration of Emirati Women’s Day and demonstrates its commitment to translating the values of women’s empowerment, equality and equal opportunity into sustainable sports policies and programmes that support the participation and development of women and girls and their progression into leadership and sporting excellence.

The signing ceremony was attended by Andrew Clark, Deputy Consul General at the British Embassy in the UAE; Richard Atkinson, representative of the British Embassy; Nader Abu Shawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club; representatives of the International Working Group on Women and Sport; members of the media; a group of the Club’s most prominent female athletes; and female leaders from the Club.

The signing of the Declaration builds on the Club’s continuing efforts to establish an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem, provide an environment that guarantees equal opportunities, and support the participation and development of women and girls and their advancement into positions of leadership and sporting excellence.

Female athletes currently represent 28% of Fujairah Martial Arts Club’s total membership. The Club has set a strategic target to increase female participation to 35% by 2028.

The Club has adopted an integrated, data-driven approach to developing women’s sport and aligning its programmes and initiatives with the ten principles of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration through several key areas, including Equity, equality and leadership: Implementing clear anti-discrimination policies, ensuring equal opportunities, and supporting women’s progression into decision-making and sports leadership positions. Accessible facilities and safe environments: Providing sports facilities that are properly equipped and suitable for women, with equitable training times, prayer spaces and family facilities, alongside the implementation of safeguarding and safety procedures.

Community participation, young female athletes and talent development: Establishing integrated pathways that begin at school and continue through to Club membership, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and through the “Future Generations” programme.

High-performance sport and sports information: Providing an integrated pathway for elite sport that includes technical training, medical care, and advanced data- and artificial intelligence-driven monitoring of performance and injuries.

Equitable allocation of resources and international cooperation: Allocating resources fairly to support women’s sport while strengthening local and international partnerships and exchanging expertise and successful practices.

Annamarie Phelps CBE, Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, welcomed Fujairah Martial Arts Club to the IWG’s global network, saying:

“We are delighted to welcome Fujairah Martial Arts Club to our global movement. The Club’s commitment to developing dedicated policies, allocating resources equitably and creating safe sporting environments demonstrates a genuine determination to build a system that enables women and girls to participate fully and assume leadership roles.”

Amal Al Kindi also emphasised the importance of Fujairah Martial Arts Club joining the signatories to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, noting that this step reflects the Club’s continued commitment to supporting women and girls in the community and translating the principles of equality and empowerment into programmes and initiatives with tangible impact.

She said: “Fujairah Martial Arts Club’s signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration represents an important step that affirms the Club’s commitment to providing a supportive, safe and motivating sports environment for women and girls. The Club has worked to develop programmes and initiatives aligned with the principles of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, contributing to expanded opportunities for participation, talent identification, and the sporting and leadership development of women.”

Concluding the statements, Nader Abu Shawish, Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, affirmed that supporting women’s sport has been an integral part of the Club’s journey since its establishment.

He said: “Since the Club’s establishment, there has been a clear vision from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and President of the Club, centred on supporting women’s sport and empowering women and girls to participate, develop and achieve sporting success. This vision formed the foundation upon which the Club’s programmes, policies and initiatives in this field were developed.”

He added: “Empowering women in sport is not merely a goal we seek to achieve; it is a fundamental pillar of the Club’s future and its international legacy. Our commitment to women and girls in sport is not a final destination, but a continuous journey of empowerment, equality and excellence.”

Fujairah Martial Arts Club’s endorsement of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration affirms its commitment to continuing the development of policies and programmes that support women’s sport, consistently measuring their impact, and strengthening cooperation with local and international institutions. These efforts contribute to building a sustainable sports model that enables women and girls to participate, excel and lead.