As part of Parthenope Women’s Week 2026, on 10 March the Caivano campus of Parthenope University of Naples hosted a morning dedicated to women’s rights through the language of sport. The programme combined institutional discussion with practical activities, highlighting the role of sport in promoting inclusion and equality.
The Women sport equality Parthenope initiative opened with the conference “Sports Leadership and Equality: Coaching the Future of Governance”. This session provided an opportunity to reflect on sport as a tool for social development and for advancing gender equality in decision-making contexts.
Institutional contributions and sports perspectives
Following official greetings from Rector Antonio Garofalo, the Mayor of Caivano Antonio Angelino, CUG President Maria Ferrara, DISEGIM Director Massimiliano Agovino, and President of the Sports Sciences Degree Programme Gabriele Carbonara, the debate brought together representatives from both the sports sector and public institutions.
Speakers included Sergio Roncelli, President of the Campania Regional Committee of the Italian National Olympic Committee; Carlo Cantales, National Councillor of the Italian Athletics Federation; Bruno Fabozzi, President of FIDAL Campania; Amalia De Martino, Vice President of FIDAL Campania; Francesca Merenda, Coordinator of Sport e Salute for the Campania Region; Nicola Perrone, Director of the Pino Daniele Sports Centre for Sport e Salute; and Luca Piscopo, Coordinator of the Fiamme Oro sports group. The discussion was moderated by Salvatore Alberto Campanile, athlete and student at DISMMEB.
Practical activities and empowerment through sport
The morning continued with the initiative “The Female Body: Strength and Fluidity”, which focused on movement and awareness of the female body. In this context, Sports Sciences student Giusy Frezza led a gymnastics class open to students. Moreover, the activity encouraged participation and engagement through practice.
The event concluded with demonstrations of combat sports and self-defence techniques. These were organised in collaboration with Federkombat Campania and the Fiamme Oro sports group. Participants were thus offered a practical introduction to sport, as well as to key principles of safety and self-defence.
Promoting equality through sport
Overall, the day provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the role of sport in promoting gender equality. It successfully combined institutional dialogue, training and physical activity within the university community.
Further information and resources
Learn more about sport and inclusion initiatives: https://www.sporteasalute.eu
Explore gender equality policies in sport: https://commission.europa.eu
Discover more activities at Parthenope University of Naples: https://www.uniparthenope.it
