CHANGING THE GAME FROM WITHIN: WOMEN IN FOOTBALL LAUNCHES NEW EEDI ADVISORY GROUP

CHANGING THE GAME FROM WITHIN: WOMEN IN FOOTBALL
LAUNCHES NEW EEDI ADVISORY GROUP

Women in Football (WIF) 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.”

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 become board-ready.

• bring ideas and perspectives that will help support WIF in the implementation and
execution of a strategy which supports board, ambassadors, committee members, internal
Membership Committee
• ensure that as an advisory group, it is aligned with WIF’s overall strategy to bring about
collaborative progress and impact in the industry
Women in Football is still inviting responses to take part in its 2025 annual industry survey which
gathers critical data on the experiences of women working and volunteering across different roles
in football, and assesses the current attitudes toward, and progress in, achieving gender equality in
inclusive employers and stand ready to work with any stakeholders who share our vision of a
gender-equal future for football. To find out more visit www.womeninfootball.co.uk.