IPC announces 2025 International Women’s Day Recognition Award recipients

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the three exceptional winners of the 2025 International Women’s Day Recognition Awards.  Penny Briscoe CBE from ParalympicsGB (Leadership), Paralympian Zakia Khudadadi (Emerging Leadership), and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Iran (IPC Member) were each recognised for their outstanding work ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

The Awards, which have been running since 2013, recognise women in the Paralympic Movement who inspire and emulate the Paralympic ideals and serve as positive role models. The winners were chosen by members of the IPC Governing Board following nominations by IPC member organisations.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President said: “The quality of nominations this year was exceptional, and I congratulate Penny, Zakia and NPC Iran. It is my pleasure and honour to know you and work with you.

“Leaders like Penny, rising stars like Zakia and committed members like NPC Iran show us that anything is possible in the Paralympic Movement, reminding us that greatness knows no limits and that representation is key in shaping a more inclusive and equal future.

“Change starts with sport, and we believe that sport has the power to break down barriers and foster inclusion, creating opportunities for all. For women with disabilities, sport is not only about competing on the global stage; it’s about empowerment, visibility, and equal access. Through sport, we honour strength, resilience, and the fundamental truth that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the right to participate, excel, and inspire others.”

Commenting on her win, Penny Briscoe CBE said: “I’m hugely honoured to receive this award from the IPC - which, having had the privilege of attending 11 Paralympic Games and five as Chef de Mission, really does mean so much to me. My ambition has always been to lead with passion and integrity, upholding the values of the Paralympic Movement and supporting its success and progress in a positive way.

“For over 20 years, I have been inspired and supported by incredible athletes, colleagues and female leaders within the Movement and I hope I have provided inspiration and support in equal measure.

“As a female leader in sport I am passionate not only about supporting others but promoting gender equity within the Movement, and so I am immensely proud to mark International Women’s Day with this fantastic award.”

Zakia Khudadadi said “Thank you for choosing me as Emerging Leader for the IPC International Women’s Day Recognition Award 2025. This is a great honour for me and the women of Afghanistan. I am very happy, and everything feels like a dream, but it is indeed a reality - Afghan women stand bravely against oppression, demanding freedom not as a wish, but as an undeniable right. Their voices cannot be silenced, as they come from hearts that beat for a brighter tomorrow. A special thank you to the IPC for striving to showcase inspiring figures to the world.”

Commenting on recognition of NPC Iran in the Membership category, Dr. Ghafour Karegari, President of NPC Iran said: “NPC I.R. Iran not only believes in gender equality but also provides enhanced privileges, services, and support tailored for women with disabilities. Through this vision and diligent oversight of its implementation, it has created a supportive and empowering environment for women with disabilities.”

Previous winners of the IPC International Women’s Day Recognition Award include Vladyslava Kravchenko (Emerging Leadership, 2023) who was elected Chair of the IPC Athletes Council in November 2024; Carla Qualtrough (2016) who went on to serve as the Canadian Minister of Sport and Physical Activity from July 2023 to December 2024 and Deepa Malik (2019), India’s first woman to win a medal at the Paralympics. In 2020, she was elected as President of NPC India and served until 2024.  

Leadership

The IWD Recognition Award category in Leadership recognises sustained and consistent leadership over a period of time, advocacy, overall contributions, and impact promoting and supporting women in sport.

This year’s recipient Penny Briscoe CBE served as the Chef de Mission for ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024, marking her eleventh Games and her fifth in the leadership role. Briscoe was ParalympicsGB’s first woman Chef de Mission, setting a precedent internationally for greater gender equity in this critical position.

At Paris 2024, with 46 per cent, ParalympicsGB achieved its highest-ever proportion of women athletes. The team delivered outstanding results, securing second place on the medals table for the third consecutive Paralympic Games.

Briscoe has been a driving force for collaboration and innovation within the Paralympic Movement. As an active and influential member of the IPC’s NPC Expert Group, Briscoe provided valuable insights and recommendations to multiple Games Organising Committees, most recently for Paris 2024.

Briscoe’s contributions to women’s leadership in sports have been recognised through initiatives like UK Sport’s leadership programmes and the Women’s Sport Collective.

Emerging leadership

This category recognises early-stage career leadership, advocacy, overall contributions, and impact promoting and supporting women in sport. The 2025 Emerging Leader award was presented to Paralympian Zakia Khudadadi.

At Tokyo 2020, Khudadadi gained international attention. Following her dramatic evacuation from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover on the eve of the Games, she showed immense resilience to compete in Para taekwondo.

Following Tokyo 2020, Khudadadi advocated passionately for women's rights in Afghanistan, particularly the right to participate in sports. Alongside this, she started to achieve sporting success. Her breakthrough came with a gold medal at the 2023 European Para Championships.

By the end of 2023, Khudadadi was ranked seventh in the world, narrowly missing direct qualification for Paris 2024. Determined to secure her place, she clinched gold in the European Qualification Tournament.

Ahead of Paris 2024 Khudadadi continued her advocacy work, participating in interviews and spreading her message of equality and empowerment for women in Afghanistan. At Paris 2024, competing as part of the largest ever Refugee Paralympic Team, she earned a historic bronze medal, the first ever for the team. Khudadadi dedicated her medal to inspiring girls and women in Afghanistan to embrace sport, underscoring her commitment to creating positive change.

IPC Member

This category recognises the leadership, impact and effective change initiated by a member (NPCs, International Federations, International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled, and Regional Organisations) who promote and support equality and inclusion of women in sport. In 2025 the winner in this category is NPC Iran.

Since its establishment in 2000, women have been at the core of the NPC’s strategic plans and decision-making processes, with a focus on enhancing participation in key areas such as national and international competitions, leadership roles, and educational programmes.

Iranian women made their Paralympic debut at the Barcelona 1992, with four athletes competing in a single sport. At Paris 2024, the number of female athletes had increased to 12 across five sports, with seven medals won (an increase of 33.3 per cent in participation). Today, over 60,000 athletes are supported by the NPC in sports for all, with more than a third of them being women.

Well-known Iranian Paralympians who inspire other women in the country include four-time Paralympic champion Sareh Javanmardi, and three-time Paralympic champion Zahra Nemati who serves as a UN ambassador.

NPC Iran has one female vice president and 40 per cent representation of women in board meetings, including two athlete representatives.

In 2002, the NPC initiated activities to promote the development of female athletes, coaches, and officials. By 2024, a total of 44 workshops had been held, benefiting over 205 participants.