Chelsea Football Club takes action to progress gender equality in the world of football and beyond
The world of football is hugely exciting. And when it's truly inclusive, then it's even better.
If gender equality is important to you as a supporter, Chelsea Football Club (Chelsea FC) is an excellent choice.
Did you know that the Chelsea Foundation engages young people in programmes that include tackling gender inequality and building allyship right from an early age?
Chelsea has many tangible programs, partnerships and policies that support gender equality and inclusion, especially within the club’s structure and women’s football environment.
Demonstrable action progressing gender equality
Chelsea FC takes demonstrable action in the progression of gender equality within the world of football and beyond. This influential football club strives to better meet the needs of the women in its world - creating a place where they are understood, empowered and given the opportunity to thrive.
"The path of womanhood holds different cycles, phases, seasons. Empowering women through the different stages of womanhood and enabling them to shape this game is what we are about," says Chelsea FC. "March is a time to celebrate the women who shape our game, our communities and our future — and to recognise that progress towards gender equality requires action from us all. Anchored by International Women's Day on 8 March 2026, our Empowering Every Woman. Every Season highlights how we support women through every stage of life."
Chelsea Foundation is celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) through the theme Give To Gain, honouring those who have paved the way for girls to succeed while reflecting on how others can do the same.
This was launched at Cobham with 25 women and girls from Chelsea Foundation’s Inspire Her programme and Adapted Sports walking football team, plus students from St Mary’s University Twickenham.
The event provided a powerful intergenerational experience focused on mentorship and role models. Participants took part in a workshop where they wrote two pledges: a piece of advice to give back to others, and a reflection on a time someone ‘gave’ to them so they could ‘gain’. These moving pledges were shared with the group and surprise guests Sam Kerr and Kadeisha Buchanan, who joined the session offering their own insights.
The day ended on the pitch, with Chelsea FC's walking footballers teaching the younger participants the game before everyone - including Sam and Kadeisha - joined in to play a match.
Building on this success, the Give To Gain workshop will be delivered across the Foundation’s Health & Wellbeing, Education, Community and Futures strands, with the aim of reaching as many participants as possible, celebrating the legacy of those who have supported women and inspiring the next generation to give something back.
“When we empower women and girls, everyone gains. This International Women’s Day, participants from different Chelsea Foundation programmes joined us at Cobham to Give to Gain - sharing skills, stories, and support across generations," says Chelsea FC.
Empowering women across the Chelsea FC community
For International Women’s Day 2025, the club had previously introduced a Women’s Empowerment Network as both a space for women within the organisation to form connections and a forum for the issues affecting women in the business.
Social gatherings have been part of the activity since the launch event. The first anniversary of the start of the network was marked by a discussion panel exploring the full spectrum of women's health in practical ways for women who work in football, with esteemed guests imparting their insight on how a better understanding of women’s health can contribute to a more inclusive working environment.
Creating an inspiring IWD video
Chelsea FC also created a special video for International Women's Day.
The video features people across the club, including players, fans, staff and participants on Foundation programmes, and details Chelsea FC's commitment to empowering women.
Through the leadership of Chelsea Football Club and the community impact of the Chelsea Foundation, the club continues to show that when sport champions women and gender equality, it doesn’t only change the game, it helps change society for the better.