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.

Pandemic impact on girls in sport

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted girls’ participation in sport and physical activity. Findings from Canadian Women & Sport suggest that 1 in 4 girls are not committed to returning to sport. Involving girls in planning their return to play can be one way to encourage girls’ participation.

Gender equity and sport leadership

Gender-equal boards are associated with higher revenues and more financial resources. In Canadian sport, the number of board members who are women is increasing, with current estimates at 41% representation. That value is encouraging. After all, when at least 30% of board members are individuals from diverse groups, changes toward equality are experienced.

Gendered athlete representations on social media

How athletes are portrayed on social media can influence sport participation among girls and women. An analysis of tweets during the 2018 Commonwealth Games shows that gender differences persist in athlete representations. Even seemingly neutral words, like “dedicated” and “hard working,” can have gendered connotations. Strategic use of social media during large sporting events can…

Keeping girls in sport

Research shows that many girls leave sport when they reach adolescence. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this trend, with 1 in 4 girls not committed to returning to their pre-pandemic sports. There are many reasons that girls leave sport, from a lack of girl-specific programming to socialization and gender expectations. Research insights help us to…