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.
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.