In a week marked by International Women's Day, which brings together not only a celebration of the achievements made by women throughout history, but also a series of challenges that we as a society still have to face - and where sport is no exception - the Thinking Football Summit sought to hear from women in leading positions in sport, to learn about their stories, reflections and challenges.

To Thinking Football Summit, Pilar Castillo Cid, Director of Social Projects and Disability at the Real Betis Balompié Foundation, shared her vision of a world that is still not diverse and needs more female role models:

“Working in an environment that has always been dominated by men has been unusual, but we can already say that there are quite a few women working in the sport industry. It is essential that we women support each other, and, in this way, we build networks of solidarity and understanding in whatever field we are in. 

My experience is very positive; female leadership allows for a diverse, necessary and enriching perspective. It is important to make women visible in leadership positions in order to have a diverse, necessary and enriching management.”

The responsible of the Andalusian club also revealed what she considers to be the main challenges in terms of social responsibility in sport:

“Our main challenge is to promote social responsibility projects through soccer that generate an impact on society. At the Real Betis Foundation we dedicate our activity to four specific areas: disability, education, social inclusion and strategic management of social responsibility and sustainability.

I consider myself "privileged" to be able to dedicate myself to this. You can contribute to society by generating a very positive impact through different projects and from the loudspeaker of a sport as popular as soccer.

Looking back, these last eight years have been a very important responsibility and a permanent growth both personally and professionally. I have witnessed how sport can change people's lives. That is the most rewarding part. It's a lot of hours, a lot of commitment and humanity, but the reward is much greater than what you put in.

The presence of women references in sport is necessary so that the younger girls learn that they can get to the same place. In the end, I believe that movement is made by walking. On many occasions I have felt like an example because the girls who are starting out can see themselves reflected in me, in my work. That is why it is very important to promote the empowerment of women.”