While March held a wealth of momentum for gender equity in sport, this spring, we’re all about taking bold action. April kicked off an exciting time of collaboration and new opportunities for powering better sport through gender equity.

Here are some highlights from the past month:

• Canadian Women & Sport in partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation and Boston Consulting Group release It’s Time: A Roadmap for Accelerating Professional Women’s Sport in Canada
• The 2023 World Ice Hockey Championship is a breakthrough moment for women’s hockey
• Canada’s Summer McIntosh breaks world record in 400 freestyle
• Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team continues preparation for FIFA World Cup 2023
• 90 Sport Organizations in Ontario are Ready to Make Their Next Play for Gender Equity

Latest News from Canadian Women & Sport
ICYMI: #ItsTime for a Vibrant Professional Women’s Sport Marketplace in Canada

On Monday, we gathered a room full of investors, corporate partners, media, athletes and champions of professional women’s sport to share our latest research on the business case for the professional women’s sport market in Canada.

The energy was palpable and the evidence is clear: it’s time to invest in women’s professional sport. Be part of a growing movement of people accelerating pro women’s sport in Canada. 

Learn more and download the whitepaper here

90 Sport Organizations in Ontario are Ready to Make Their Next Play for Gender Equity

We know that girls and gender-diverse people face many barriers to fully participating in sport. We also know we can do something about it. We’re proud to share the news of 90 sport organizations stepping up for gender equity in Ontario as part of The Next Play grant program. 

Made possible by funding from the Ontario Government, The Next Play aims to empower Ontario sport leaders with the skills that they need to engage more girls in sport and active recreation. 

“The Ontario government is proud to provide girls across the province with more opportunities to participate in sport and recreational activities. Our efforts are enabling more Ontarians to realize the many benefits that come from leading a healthy and active lifestyle,” Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

These participating sport organizations are committed to making real change for girls in sport. The goal? Help ensure all girls have access to the power and benefits of sport.

Watch for more updates as The Next Play gets started! Click here to learn more about the 90 participating organizations and The Next Play.

Same Game Challenge: Applications Open May 2023

The Same Game Challenge helps sport and physical activity organizations across Canada build their capacity to create more equitable and inclusive sport opportunities. During the Challenge, sport leaders will develop the skills they need to close gender equity gaps and create positive, sustainable change in sport. The next cohort of applications open in May 2023. Click here to submit your interest to be notified when applications open.

In the Media Group aims to accelerate the growth of women’s pro sports in Canada

Read this feature article by the Globe and Mail’s Rachel Brady about the rising tide of professional women’s sport in Canada. 

What the Data Tells Us Commercial Traction in Professional Women’s Sport

The evidence is clear. The trends are obvious. There is traction for professional women’s sport around the world.

Partner / Community Updates
News From the Community

Applications Open for Next Cohort: Future Hockey Lab
Do you want to be part of something truly exciting? Do you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of their background, age, stage, or experience? Are you interested in helping to break down systemic barriers? If so, we invite you to join the next cohort of the Future of Hockey Lab (“FHL”)! This cohort will focus on the radical acceleration of opportunities for girls, women, and gender-diverse people. Learn more.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities: Unleashing Women’s Power Through Sport
Play to Lead enables young women to develop the skills, confidence and relationships to become leaders, while improving gender equity and diversity in sport. This year the program will be expanding and will be open to young female athletes and their coaches from both the Greater Toronto Area and the Edmonton Metropolitan Area. The program will kick of with in-person Summit at both locations in in Fall 2023.  Learn more.

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