The MAMA (Maternity on the Bench: Promoting Equality for Women in Sports) project is an innovative European initiative aimed at strengthening gender equality in sports, with a particular focus on women athletes who are mothers or wish to become mothers. Through a comprehensive approach that combines research, education, and knowledge dissemination, the project seeks to address the barriers limiting women’s participation and development in sports while fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. By promoting awareness, capacity building, and sustainable practices, MAMA aspires to create long-term positive change within the European sports sector.

The MAMA project is a 36-month European initiative designed to promote equality and inclusion in sports, focusing on the challenges faced by women athletes, particularly during motherhood. The project is implemented by a consortium of nine organizations from different European countries and is supported by a total budget of €400,000.

The project approach is structured around five main pillars. First, research activities are conducted to identify the needs, barriers, and challenges experienced by women in sports. Based on these findings, an educational programme and modern digital training materials are developed and delivered through a dedicated e-learning platform. In parallel, the project emphasizes active engagement of target groups and continuous evaluation processes to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the activities implemented.

Furthermore, MAMA promotes the dissemination and long-term sustainability of its results by encouraging the adoption of policies and practices that support women in sports. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive, and gender-equal sports culture across Europe.