News

Women in Football is delighted to announce the formation of a new advisory group on equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI), reinforcing its long-term commitment to reflecting the diversity of the game, and shaping and supporting WIF's internal and external strategies.

The online racial abuse experienced by Jess Carter during UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 mirrored the headline finding from WIF’s 2024 annual survey highlighting that 89% of women had experienced discrimination in the workplace. According to the survey data, the prevalence of gender-based discrimination, and the shortcomings of the reporting process are worse for women who belong to an ethnic group underrepresented in the industry.

The new WIF Advisory Group includes ten members from across the football industry who will contribute their lived experience and professional expertise. The group will be supported by WIF director Monique Choudhuri and attended by WIF CEO Yvonne Harrison, reflecting the board’s priority focus on this area.

Zarah Earnshaw, who works alongside the WIF board under WIF’s Vikki Orvice Memorial Director Development Scheme and is Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Manchester City/City Football Group, will co-chair the group. She will be joined by nine other industry leaders:

• Gurpri Bains, EDI Manager at Birmingham City FC 
• Justin Brett, DEI and CSR Specialist at the National Audit Office 
• Kirsty Clarke, CEO at Northamptonshire Football Association 
• Jamie Dapaah, EDI practitioner across football
• Kajol Desai, Senior Community Engagement Officer at Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket Foundation
• Edleen John, senior independent consultant
• Erica Puppo, Head of EDI at FIFPRO
• Ruth Shaw, independent consultant at Affleck & Co
• James Swanson, Senior Marketing Manager at World Rugby

WIF Chair Ebru Köksal said: “The establishment of our new EEDI Advisory Group marks a vital step forward in embedding equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of our work, not as a standalone initiative, but as a strategic imperative that shapes everything we do.

“As football continues to grow as a global industry, we must ensure that the governance structures reflect the diversity of our game and actively work to dismantle the systemic barriers that persist. This advisory group will guide and challenge us to go further to drive bold, informed action that ensures everyone in football feels seen, heard, and valued.”

 

Personal purpose

Reflecting on joining the advisory group, Zarah Earnshaw said: “I have a huge passion to drive change in the football industry, aiming to make it more equitable both on and off the pitch, particularly for women through an intersectional lens. I’m a strong believer in the power of sport to enable positive societal change and see this as a personal purpose to be fulfilled.”

WIF director Monique Choudhuri said: “At a time when global momentum around equality and inclusion risks losing pace, Women in Football is doubling down on our commitment to driving lasting, fundamental change in the industry. We believe that fairness, equity, and opportunity should be non-negotiable. To ensure we stay accountable and embed these values in everything we do, we’ve established a highly experienced and diverse advisory group that will guide and challenge us as we work towards a more inclusive future for all.”

The advisory group is part of multiple initiatives to ensure that WIF continues to evolve and is truly representative of the society we live in. The WIF Membership Committee was formed in June 2024 to deepen engagement with a greater cross-section of the football community and WIF’s members, including male allies. The Vikki Orvice Director Development Scheme – named in memory of one of WIF’s founding board members – will also be revamped, to support more female leaders in the industry to become board-ready.

Share this article