Today marks a milestone for the Oarsome Women project – our online final workshop bringing together rowing enthusiasts, community leaders, and advocates for women’s inclusion in sport. As we reflect on this journey, we’re honored to host Guin Batten, World Rowing Council member, who shares her vision on why rowing matters for mature women.

Why Rowing? Why Now?

Rowing is more than a sport – it’s a transformative experience. For mature women, stepping into a boat opens doors to physical wellness, mental resilience, and meaningful social connection. Yet women remain underrepresented in rowing communities across Europe. The Oarsome Women project exists to change this narrative.

Through our Erasmus+ Sport initiative, we’ve worked with partners across Europe to demonstrate that rowing is accessible, empowering, and life-changing at any age. Whether you’re discovering the sport for the first time or returning to it after years away, rowing offers something unique: the perfect blend of individual challenge and collective teamwork.

Guin Batten: A Voice for Change

Guin Batten brings decades of expertise to our conversation. As a World Rowing Council member, she has championed women’s participation in rowing at the highest levels. Her journey – from athlete to leader – embodies the values we champion: determination, inclusivity, and the belief that rowing can unlock potential in every woman who picks up an oar.

In today’s workshop, Guin will share not just her accomplishments, but the why behind her commitment to bringing more women into the sport. She understands that representation matters, that mentorship transforms communities, and that when women row together, they inspire change far beyond the water.

The Benefits: Physical, Mental, and Social

The evidence is clear: rowing delivers comprehensive benefits for women’s health and wellbeing.

Physically, rowing builds strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness while being low-impact on joints – making it ideal for women of all fitness levels and ages. It engages 85% of the body’s muscles, offering full-body conditioning that few other sports can match.

Mentally, the focus required in rowing – synchronizing with teammates, reading the water, managing technique – creates a meditative state that reduces stress and anxiety. Rowers consistently report improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Socially, rowing communities are built on trust and interdependence. In a boat, every rower matters equally. This creates bonds of genuine friendship and belonging, combating the isolation that can affect women in midlife and beyond.

Building Inclusive Communities

One of Oarsome Women’s core missions is proving that rowing clubs can – and must – be welcoming spaces for women of all backgrounds, abilities, and ages. Across our project partners in Cyprus, Italy, Spain, and beyond, we’ve seen rowing clubs adapt their programs, train their coaches, and intentionally create pathways for women to participate at every level.

This isn’t tokenism. It’s recognizing that women’s participation strengthens rowing as a whole. When clubs invest in women’s programs, they discover new athletes, build sustainable communities, and model what true inclusion looks like.

Your Invitation

Today’s workshop is our celebration of this journey – and an invitation to you. Whether you’re a rower, a club leader, a coach, or simply curious about what rowing offers, this conversation with Guin Batten promises insight, inspiration, and practical perspectives on the future of women in rowing.

The benefits of rowing for mature women aren’t theoretical. They’re lived experiences of thousands of women who have found strength, community, and joy on the water.

Join us today at 20:00 CET to be part of this conversation.

Because rowing isn’t just about crossing a finish line – it’s about empowering women to discover what they’re capable of.