Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) – (Toronto, ON – September 26, 2018) This week CAAWS is celebrating both National Coaches Week and Canada’s first Gender Equality Week. What a relevant and timely crossover!

Coaches are powerful figures in the sport system and are uniquely positioned to influence their athletes – but only 25% of coaches in Canada are women, and only 19% of Canadian women participate in sport.

#EveryoneBenefits when girls and women are empowered within and through sport as active participants and leaders. Gender equity in coaching and effective coaching for girls should be a priority for sport organizations at all levels.

We all have a role to play in supporting girls and women in sport. This week, consider how you can make a positive impact. Here are three things you can do:

• Say “Thanks Coach!”: Take the time to thank a phenomenal woman coach for their influence as a leader in the sport system. You can share your favourite coaching moments on social media with the hashtag #ThanksCoach or #CoachesWeek!

• Learn best practices: Register for Jumpstart’s Keeping Girls in Sport Module, a e-module for coaches and activity leaders that addresses how to create safe and respectful environments for girls to participate and stay in sport;

• Mentor an emerging coach: Read and share the Female Coach Mentorship Model, a resource designed for mentors, mentees, and sport administrators to help women coaches enhance their skills and optimize their potential.

 

The Government of Canada’s stated goal is to achieve gender equality in the sport system by 2035. CAAWS is committed to supporting organizations and leaders across the system in making gender equality a reality.

Learn and take action with CAAWS year-round by visiting www.caaws.ca and joining the conversation on Twitter!

 

About CAAWS

CAAWS is dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive Canadian sport and physical activity system that empowers girls and women—as active participants and leaders—within and through sport. With a focus on systemic change, we partner with governments, organizations and leaders to challenge the status quo and to advance solutions that result in measurable change.

 

For further information, please contact:

Greer Gemin
Communications and Administration Coordinator
Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity
416-901-0484
greer@caaws.ca