Summary:
Geneva, 3 July 2025 – ILGA World Executive director Julia Ehrt has been invited among the International Gender Champions, a network of global leaders committed to working together to break down gender barriers.
A widely respected LGBTI activist and community leader, Ehrt is the first woman to serve in her role at ILGA World, an organisation which unites over 2,000 groups across 175 countries and territories to advance the rights of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics. With her work in feminist and trans organisations across the world, she has significantly contributed to changing awareness of how gender equality, sexual reproductive health rights and justice, and bodily autonomy for all are inextricably linked.
As an International Gender Champion, she now joins leaders like United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong, and more decision-makers pledging to make gender equality a working reality in their spheres of influence.
“Achieving gender equality means creating space for every voice, especially those most often excluded. As an International Gender Champion, I am proud to be part of an extended community of individuals who are committed to dismantling barriers, challenging bias, and building systems that uphold dignity and justice for all, including LGBTI communities. Inclusion is not just a principle; it is a strategy for change and the path we all must follow.”
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director at ILGA World
The International Gender Champions network brings together over 330 champions and 340 alumni from international organisations, permanent missions, civil society organisations, and the private sector. Founded in 2015, it is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary with an event at the United Nations in Geneva this week.