Investing in women sport leadership opportunities

The importance of investing in women and gender-diverse leaders, and prioritizing gender equity has never been more evident for organizations. In the 2022 Rally Report, 80% of girls surveyed said they would stay in sport if there were more sport leaders and role models. However, 52% of women sport leaders said they feel there are…

Sport and girls’ body image

Sport can be both positive and negative for girls’ body image. Canadian researchers found that body-positive role modeling by parents and coaches is crucial for addressing body image concerns. Reconsidering uniforms that may make girls self-conscious is another way in which sport can foster a positive body image.

Gender equitable boards

Effective and innovative leadership takes advantage of best practices and emerging opportunities, including gender-equitable boards of directors. A gender diverse and balanced board can help ensure that multiple perspectives are considered, addressing issues of fairness and creating opportunities for optimized performance.

Empowering Black Women Coaches

For women coaches of colour, increasing self-confidence is a priority throughout professional development. Relationship-building with the team they mentor, continuous professional skill development, and speaking up about their shared experiences with like-minded individuals are integral to this process. Providing opportunities for women coaches of colour to learn from others through mentorship can build confidence and…

Combating gender-based violence

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gender-based violence is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender identity or expression. Canadian Women & Sport offers 6 ways in which gender equity in sport can help reduce gender-based violence, including clear policies, education, men’s allyship, and mentorship and sponsorship…

Empowering mentees to lead

The experiences of women coaches in mentorship programs show that mentees want a learning environment that promotes agency and self-direction. When mentees can express their learning interests and preferences, they feel they can lead their training and find more value in the mentorship program.

Supporting the lone girl

Girls competing on boys’ teams happens often and across numerous sports. But according to new research, ‘lone girls’ face unique challenges to their sport participation, leaving many girls to feel both left out and singled out because of their gender. Support the lone girl on your team by ensuring that they have a safe and…

Coach mentorship

Mentorship can enhance coach recruitment, retention and promotion across sport by advancing coach skill, comfort and confidence. In 2020, the Black Female Coaches Mentorship Program (BFCMP) started as a way to address the mentorship gap for Black women coaches in Canada. New research with the BFCMP explored the experiences of Black women coaches, and points…

Talent development gender gap

Gender equity is just as important in sports research as it is on the playing field. However, a recent literature review shows a considerable gender gap in talent development research. Youth development programs need more research on girls and women to better address their specific needs with evidence-based programming.

Using data for gender equity

Using data can help sport organizations plan quality programs with gender equity at their centre. Data collection can encourage better decision-making, help improve resource allocation, and create buy-in among stakeholders. Online toolkits, such as Same Game, help organizations use data to turn gender equity ideas into reality.