- Home
- /
- Resources
- /
- Inclusion
- /
- Gender Equity
Gender Equity
Gender equity in sport refers to creating inclusive and welcoming sport environments for all genders. Our resources offer the latest research and insights related to creating participation opportunities for underrepresented genders.
Search Gender Equity Resources
Top 10 resources
- Key Considerations to Promote the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Athletes
- Resources and Training to Support the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Athletes in Sport
- Organizations Leading the Way to Support the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Individuals in Sport
- SIRC Article: Understanding the Capacity of National Sport Organizations (NSOs) for Gender Equity: Recommendations for NSO Leaders and Policy Directors
- SCRI Panel: Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practices in Sport Organizations
- Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport
- Rally Report 2022: A Call For Better, Safer Sport for Girls
- What the Research Says About Mom’s Participation in Physical Activity and Sport
- Promoting Gender Equity through Sport
- The Leading Edge: Good Practices for Creating Gender-Equitable Boards in Sport
Featured resource
Laval University, Concordia University, and SIRC
Featured resource
SIRC and Canadian Women & Sport
Featured resource
Hayley Baker
Featured resource
Swarali Patil and Alison Doherty
Featured resource
Sport Information Resource Centre
Featured resource
SIRC and Canadian Women & Sport
Quick Facts
What is gender equity in sport, and why is it important?
Gender equity in sport means ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all genders. It it crucial because it promotes inclusivity, fights discrimination, and allows everyone to participate and excel in sport. It means equipping those who have been disadvantaged with the appropriate resources to bring more balance into the system.
Which groups need more research and inclusion in sports to achieve gender equity?
Groups needing more research and inclusion for gender equity in sport include women, transgender, and non-binary athletes. Addressing their unique challenges and barriers is crucial for creating a truly equitable and inclusive sports environment.
What does 2SLGBTQI+ mean?
2SLGBTQI+ is the term that refers to individuals who are part of sexual and gender diverse communities. They refer to the following:
2S: Two-Spirit
L: Lesbian
G: Gay
B: Bisexual
T: Transgender
Q: Queer
I: Intersex (sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression)
+ Inclusive of other individuals who may use additional terminology.
How can sport organizations move towards gender equity?
One step would be to implement minimum numbers as part of a gender-equal board. This could be done by requiring that a minimum number of the positions be held by each gender or non-binary individuals.
Have recruitment and hiring strategies are free of bias. This can be achieved by having individuals apply without indicating their gender or have hiring committees that are split equally by gender.
Create a welcoming and equitable culture by ensuring the proper policies are in place that emphasize respect and inclusion. Sport leaders should demonstrate those values so that other team members are encouraged to do the same.
Other examples of what can be done include making sure all genders are represented in promotional materials but ensuring to avoid stereotypes; making sure all genders have fair access to resources, equipment, and facilities; and ensure that gender-split programs are each getting the resources/funding that they deserve.
What are the benefits of gender equity in sport?
At the board and organizational level, it brings an increased number of perspectives, backgrounds, skills, which can improve innovation and decision-making. At the coaching and officiating level, it means more a wider pool of qualified candidates from which to recruit. At the workplace level, there are many benefits, but they can be summed up in an increased respect between coworkers and between levels within the organization. And in sport participation, it means the creation of a positive environment for all participants!
Video Resources
Are Sport-Related Concussions Different in Males and Females
- SIRC
- 2021
Lysanne Rivard
- McGill University and SIRC
- 2013
Sample Poster Presentation for the 2021 Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference Poster Session
- York University, Queen's University and SIRC
- 2021
Overcoming bias in the workplace: How leaders can drive change
- Queen's University
- 2020
Michele K Donnelly
- University of Southern California and SIRC
- 2013
Steven E Mock
- University of Waterloo and SIRC
- 2013
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Creating supportive spaces for women working in sport
A study of women managers in a men’s professional sports league uncovered prevalent sexism, including the objectification and diminishment of women. The results highlight the
A study of women managers in a men’s professional sports league uncovered prevalent sexism, including the objectification and diminishment of women. The results highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive anti-sexism training and supportive policies for women in the sports industry.
knowledge nuggets
Benefits of physical activity during pregnancy
While exercising during pregnancy was once considered taboo for expecting mothers, that’s no longer the case. Research shows that regular physical activity during pregnancy can
While exercising during pregnancy was once considered taboo for expecting mothers, that’s no longer the case. Research shows that regular physical activity during pregnancy can improve cardiovascular health and mitigate the risks of gestational diabetes and hypertension. The Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity Throughout Pregnancy recommends that pregnant women accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
knowledge nuggets
Making the case for more women coaches in disability sport
Women bring vital skills to coaching but are often underrepresented in disability sport. Attracting qualified women coaches in disability sport enhances inclusivity and athlete success.
Women bring vital skills to coaching but are often underrepresented in disability sport. Attracting qualified women coaches in disability sport enhances inclusivity and athlete success. Flexible coach training opportunities, mentorship programs, and communities of practice for women are all ways to increase the number of women in coaching roles.
knowledge nuggets
Gender, settler colonialism, and sport in Indigenous communities
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted by white settlers, altering its cultural significance. Gendered expectations within settler colonial institutions, like residential schools, have also enforced ideals that impact Indigenous women’s participation in sports like lacrosse. To create inclusive sport spaces, it’s important to not only recognize Indigenous culture and challenge colonial structures, but also to prioritize gender inclusivity.
knowledge nuggets
Gender, settler colonialism, and sport in Indigenous communities
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted by white settlers, altering its cultural significance. Gendered expectations within settler colonial institutions, like residential schools, have also enforced ideals that impact Indigenous women’s participation in sports like lacrosse. To create inclusive sport spaces, it’s important to not only recognize Indigenous culture and challenge colonial structures, but also to prioritize gender inclusivity.
knowledge nuggets
Why gender equity faces pushback in sport governance
Despite the emphasis on diversity, achieving gender balance in sport governance often meets resistance. Discover how outdated mindsets and buzzwords like “meritocracy” are being used
Despite the emphasis on diversity, achieving gender balance in sport governance often meets resistance. Discover how outdated mindsets and buzzwords like “meritocracy” are being used to keep women out of top decision-making roles in sport.
knowledge nuggets
Gender inequality in sport media
For the past 30 years, research has shown that men’s sports continue to dominate media coverage, with women’s sports often receiving minimal attention. Despite some
For the past 30 years, research has shown that men’s sports continue to dominate media coverage, with women’s sports often receiving minimal attention. Despite some progress on social media and online newsletters, gender imbalances persist, highlighting the need for more equitable representation in sports media.
knowledge nuggets
Gender inequality in sport research
Despite progress, gender imbalances remain prevalent in many areas of sport, including research. This study shows that 66% of participants were male and only 34%
Despite progress, gender imbalances remain prevalent in many areas of sport, including research. This study shows that 66% of participants were male and only 34% female, highlighting the need for more gender equitable research going forward.
More Gender Equity resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|