Nissinen highlights gender equality development within ISSF Academy

A year on from the ISSF Academy's rebirth, the institution's CEO, Karoliina Nissinen, has spoke of how development of coaches and the creation of the WISE network is supporting women in leadership positions.

In an interview with the ISSF, she said she was very proud of what her team have been able to achieve in the last 12 months.

Nissinen said: "The past year has been an intense but rewarding learning process. The first lesson was that real reform requires courage: we had to completely restructure the educational system, digitalise the processes, and create new methods of learning. But reform also requires listening – we collected feedback from coaches, federations, and athletes worldwide to ensure the programs truly met their needs.

"The second lesson was the power of digitalisation. By moving to online and hybrid formats, we reached many more participants – including from countries that had previously been excluded from international training. This is not just about efficiency, but about equality of opportunity: everyone should have the chance to take part, no matter where they live.

"The third lesson was the importance of collaboration and the team. We have an outstanding team – without every instructor and staff member, the ISSF Academy would not have been so successful. Shared commitment and teamwork have been the key to making the reforms work in practice.

"And perhaps the most important lesson: trust grows from openness and inclusion. When people see that their voices are heard and that processes are transparent, they commit fully."

And that equal right to opportunity has been at the heart of the Academy's operations. Nissinen noted that 19.1% of all ISSF-licensed coaches are women and has increased since the coaching courses were rolled out in 2024. Earlier in September, 50 new female coaches started their D-level courses, which will lead to ISSF recognition when qualified. The ISSF Academy's goal within the next five years is to have at least 30% of ISSF coaches being women.

To Nissinen, these goals and the added support through the WISE network (Women in Shooting Sports Education), allows spaces for women to be equal to their male counterparts. It is an initiative with intention - to make shooting sport more representative.

Nissinen said: "I founded the WISE network because I saw a tremendous need to bring women to the forefront in shooting sport. Around the world there are many talented and capable women, but too often they remain isolated in their own countries without support or networks. I wanted to create a platform that connects women from over a hundred nations, offers them concrete educational pathways, and builds a sense that they are not alone.

"WISE is not just a project only for women – its purpose is to strengthen the future of the entire sport. We also work with men to help them better understand equality and diversity. Real change does not happen if only one gender carries the responsibility.

"At the same time, WISE is fully aligned with the IOC’s Gender Equality and Inclusion Strategy. The Olympic Movement has clearly stated that women must have equal opportunities at every level – as athletes, coaches, and leaders. WISE is a concrete way to bring that vision to life within shooting sport.

"Women bring different perspectives, experiences, and approaches to leadership. Diverse leadership teams make better decisions, create fairer policies, and build more resilient organisations. This is not just a matter of equality – it is a matter of quality and long-term success.

"For young girls entering shooting sport, it also means visibility. If they see women in leadership, they know it is possible for them as well. Every woman who takes on a leadership role opens the door for the next generation."

To date, the ISSF Academy has qualified 913 coaches from 103 countries. Of this, 201 from 56 countries have been women, representing 22%.

Those wishing to join the WISE network can do so by the registration link here.