Year in Review
With 2023 coming to an end, we’re looking back at the moments and milestones that made 2023 an unforgettable year for girls, women and gender-diverse people in sport. And while there is still much work to be done, let’s pause and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments that are changing the game!
Here are a few of our favourite moments from 2023:
- Project 8 and the PWHL launching and officially bringing professional women’s sport leagues to Canada! … And don’t forget the WNBA exhibition game in Toronto last Spring, a clear proof point of the desire for the WNBA to come to Canada!
- Announcing the recipients of the Spotlight Grant and providing 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. Proudly supported by the Government of Canada.
- Canadian Tire Corporation taking bold action towards gender equity in sport with its new Women’s Sport Initiative (WSI), directing a minimum of 50% of its sponsorship dollars towards women’s professional sport by 2026.
- Releasing first-of-its-kind research for a thriving women’s professional sport market in Canada and a roadmap to get there with It’s Time: Accelerating Professional Women’s Sport in Canada, in partnership with CTC and Boston Consulting Group.
- 186 sport organizations making gender equity a priority by participating in the Same Game Challenge in 2023, proudly supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart).
- Through The Next Play grant program, 90 Sport organizations in Ontario created and implemented gender equity plans, creating direct impact on their sport organizations. The Next Play program is made possible by funding from the Ontario Government.
- Cheering on Canadian athletes from coast to coast to coast, including the Canada Women’s National Soccer Team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Summer MacIntosh at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, and Team Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup.
- Shining a light on gender equity in sport leadership with the 2023 Leadership Snapshot and celebrating women in leadership roles across Canadian sports, including Katherine Henderson, Hockey Canada’s new president and CEO
- 80 sport leaders within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) created direct impact on their sport organizations by participating in our latest virtual training program, In Her Corner: Girl-Centered Training for Coaches and Sport Leaders in partnership with Nike Canada.
- Gathering a group of industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on professional women’s sport in Canada with the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
Cheers to the milestones and moments of the past year, and to everyone who is working tirelessly to build inclusive sport for all!
We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store.
Have a favourite moment from 2023? Share it on social and tag us @womenandsportca.
Celebrating Some of Soccer’s Greatest Athletes
There’s nothing like being in the presence of greatness! At the CANWNT Canada vs. Australia match at Christine Sinclair Place this past Tuesday, we were joined by 15 sport organizations from our programs to bid farewell and celebrate Canadian soccer greats: Christine Sinclair (also known as the G.O.A.T.), Erin McLeod and Sophie Schmidt.
The energy in the stadium was electric with sport fans out loud and proud from all walks of life. And with a sold-out match, Canadian sports fans are telling us they’re ready for more women’s sports! #ITSTIME
Check out more highlights on our social channels.
Hockey Indigenous Commits to Gender Equity by Joining the Playbook Program
Hockey Indigenous — an Ontario-based organization that works to develop and implement programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the growth and development of Indigenous hockey players and teams — has recently joined the Playbook program. The organization is actively working alongside women, girls and gender-diverse people, including two-spirited participants to foster inclusivity and reshape the landscape of the sport.
“We hope to embrace the Gender Equity Playbook program, recognizing it as a pivotal tool to support and enhance the organization’s ongoing efforts toward equality within the sport,” says Stephane Friday, Co-Founder and CEO of Hockey Indigenous. “Hockey Indigenous sees the Gender Equity Playbook program as a powerful catalyst for advancing our ongoing equality work. By actively engaging with the Playbook, we aspire to reshape policies, foster inclusivity and contribute to the creation of a hockey community that truly reflects the principles of diversity, equity and respect for all participants.”
Historically, Indigenous Peoples, especially women and girls have faced numerous challenges in accessing and participating in various aspects of society, including sports. Hockey Indigenous has multiple programs geared towards shining a light on Indigenous athletes and their communities including a Youth Hockey Skills Clinic, Inclusion Capacity Building and Promoting Athletes (Player spotlight).
Learn more about the organization’s work
Book A Gender Equity Workshop Now to Secure 2023 Pricing
Start or continue your organization’s gender equity journey with one or more of our workshops. Book by December 15, 2023 and complete your workshop by March 31, 2024 to secure our 2023 rates.
46 Sport Organizations Make Gender Equity a Priority with the Same Game Challenge
Canadian Women & Sport and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) announced the 46 sport and recreation organizations participating in the third cohort of the Same Game Challenge, taking place from October 2023 to April 2024.
Through the Same Game Challenge, sport leaders will build competencies and develop the skills they need to close gender equity gaps as well as create positive and sustainable change in sport.
Learn more about the selected organizations!
The next cohort application period will open in the fall 2024. Interested in learning more?
Fans of Women’s Sport Are Showing Up
The international friendly match between #CANWNT and the Australia’s Matilda’s on December 5 featured a special farewell to Canadian soccer greats, Christine Sinclair, Sophie Schmidt and Erin McLeod.
With over 48,000 people in attendance, it broke the attendance record of any Canadian Women friendly game and became the 2nd highest attendance at a sport event in Canada in 2023!
The evidence is clear. The market is ripe. The fans want more. It’s time to invest in women’s pro sport!
Government of Canada announces New Funding to Support Women’s Professional Sport Movement
In November, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth announced $325,000 in funding to support the Commercial Women’s Sport Initiative – It’s Time.
“The Government of Canada is proud to support Canadian Women & Sport as they work to unlock this potential, while also bringing the industry together. Canadian women’s pro teams are among the best in the world, and they deserve to be supported in every way,” says Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
In 2024, Canadian Women & Sport will be sharing new industry data on fan engagement and national interest in professional women sports in Canada.
More about our Pro Sports work
Christine Sinclair’s impact, according to Canadian Women & Sport’s CEO
Our CEO, Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, joined CBC On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko to discuss the lasting impact soccer legend Christine Sinclair has had on Canadian sport, and how she has promoted gender equality and representation in sports. Listen into the full conversation.