Gitta Axmann

Gitta Axmann is a Lecturer and Researcher at the Institute of Sociology and Gender Studies, Department of Diversity Research, at the German Sport University Cologne. She specializes in preventing sexualized violence in sports, gender mainstreaming, and diversity in physical education. She also serves as an independent consultant for national and international sports development projects focusing on equality, sport spaces, and health.

Education:

• Master of Physical Education
• Diplom-Sportwissenschaften (Sport Science Diploma) from German Sport University Cologne (1990–1999)
• Thesis: "'No, I don't want this!' Sport and Movement with Girls as a Means to Prevent Sexualized Violence Experiences"

Research Interests: Her work centers on systemic prevention of sexualized violence in sports, ethical coaching practices, and creating inclusive sport environments. She emphasizes practical frameworks for educators and policymakers, with a focus on marginalized groups and youth development.

Recent Article Trends: Axmann's publications address interdisciplinary approaches to violence prevention, coach responsibilities in elite youth sports, and policy implementation in schools and organizations. Her work bridges academic research with actionable guides for practitioners.

Awards:

• 12th NRW Prize for Girls and Women in Sport (2022)
• Teaching Award for Seminars at German Sport University Cologne (2014)

Grants & Projects: Led projects like TraiNah (2019–2021) on coach roles in prevention and VOICE (2016–2018), developing EU-wide guidelines for victim support. Collaborated with German Olympic Sports Confederation and Bundesinstitut für Sportwissenschaft.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Diversity Research Section, collaborating with institutions like momentum (German Research Centre of Elite Sport). Regularly organizes workshops on child protection and gender equity in sports.