This month, we’re sharing some of the ways intersectionality shows up in gender equity and sport. In short, intersectionality is essential to advancing gender equity in sport because one solution won’t work for ALL girls, women and gender-diverse people.  

Consider learning more about intersectionality with our free intersectionality tool here. Then explore the links and updates below for more insights!

Latest News

• How Sports Silence Black Female Athletes is an important piece on intersectional gender equity for Black History Month by Sportsnet’s Sumiko Wilson.
• The Canadian women’s soccer team reluctantly returns to training under protest in Florida after going on strike regarding the significant cuts to funding from Canada Soccer.
• The women’s hockey calendar is about to get busy — but disparities in the professional game remain an issue.
• Curling Canada says pregnancy exemption to be expanded in 2024. The exemption allows a team to use a replacement player even if the athlete didn’t play in the provincial/territorial championship or meet residency requirements.

CWS News

Celebrating Black Sport Leaders in their Pursuit of Gender Equity in Sport

During the last week of #BlackHistoryMonth, Canadian Women & Sport is featuring black women and gender-diverse individuals who have contributed to the promotion and growth of women’s sport in Canada.  

Follow along on our Twitter, and Facebook. Know someone we can help celebrate? Share and tag @WomenandSportCA. 

Learn more. Access our free resource: The Sporting Experiences of BIPOC Women & Girls in Canada.

Spotlight Grant Recipients Announced 

Canadian Women & Sport is proud to announce the recipients of the Spotlight Grant and provide 105 organizations from across Canada with a total of $1.7M in funding for initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for girls, women and gender-diverse people to access the benefits of sport and physical activity

“These organizations are doing incredible work to remove barriers and expand opportunities for diverse girls in sport,” says Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. “We can’t wait to see what they accomplish with the Spotlight Grant.” 

See the full list and learn more here.

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

The Next Play: Grant Program for Ontario-Based Organizations

Canadian Women & Sport is excited to share news about our latest grant program, The Next Play. 

The Next Play is an Ontario-based grant program designed to help coaches and leaders engage more girls and gender-diverse participants in active recreation post COVID-19.  This project is made possible by the Government of Ontario. 

Click here to view the application guide and start your application.

Data / Numbers
An Intersectional Look at Participation Rate

Girls, women and gender-diverse people experience and participate in sport differently based on their intersecting identities.

Read the full Rally Report and download our discussion guide here.

Battle for Pay Equity for Canada’s National Women’s Soccer Team

Canadian Women & Sport’s CEO Allison Sandmeyer-Graves joins Bianca Hillier of The World podcast to discuss the Canada’s National Women’s Soccer team’s battle for pay equity. Listen here.

News From the Community

Sport Manitoba 2022-23 Bison Transport Sport LeadHERship Series
The Bison Transport Sport LeadHERship Series, hosted by two-time Olympic speed skater and host/analyst at CBC, Anastasia Bucsis, is a free five-part online series and professional development opportunity designed for Manitoba’s coaches, administrators, community leaders, and volunteers of all genders, from all sports, from across the province. Learn to empower and encourage the girls you work with to stay active and involved in sport, and become the next generation of female sport leaders – and take away practical tips and tools to help you build your network and knowledge base. Sign up for free here.

Mary Sanders shares her incredible journey of dedication and personal sacrifice
In 9 Lives by 35, Mary Sanders (a former Canadian gymnast) shares her journey of financial struggles, coping with grief, rivalries with other gymnasts, and the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of convicted predator Dr. Larry Nassar. But she also shares her uncanny ability to reinvent herself, including the decade spent touring as an acrobat with Cirque du Soleil, her current role as an entertainment executive working for Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec, and as a mother of two young children. Through it all, Mary never stopped believing in herself no matter what obstacles were thrown in her path. Instead, she leaned on her optimism, faith, and family, and pushed forward. 

Career Opportunities at Canada Basketball 
Canada Basketball currently has career opportunities available. They are currently on the lookout for Coordinator, Membership, Account Executive, GLOBL JAM, and Summer Internships. Interested applicants can learn more about the opening here. 

Have a gender equity initiative you want to share? Click here.