A roadmap for investing in Canadian women’s professional sport

The Canadian women’s professional sport market is estimated to be worth $150-200 million currently, and is significantly underdeveloped. Meanwhile, fan interest in women’s pro sports has never been higher. New research from Canadian Women & Sport presents an exciting roadmap for investing in women’s professional sport in Canada.

Gender imbalance in sport research

Despite the past year being significant for women’s sport, evidence demonstrates that athlete research is still heavily skewed towards male. This imbalance leaves large gaps in knowledge about women’s sport, sports-related injuries and in particular, training and the menstrual cycle.

Knowledge of REDs among female endurance athletes

Female endurance athletes have an increased risk of relative energy deficiency syndrome (REDs). Female cross-country runners have the highest incidence of stress fractures of all collegiate sports. Research regarding athlete, coach, and athletic trainer awareness of REDs showed that while athletic trainers have the most knowledge of the syndrome, athletes have the least. This suggests…

The Canadian Women & Sport Rally Report

The Canadian Women & Sport Rally Report showcases how women and girls in Canada are experiencing sport. The report found that girls’ participation rates remain low, girls and their parents view low quality programming as a barrier, and that sport leaders are not equipped to address the needs of girls.

Gender equity and sport media

Did you know that over 90% of Canada’s sport media coverage is focused on men’s sport? While many Canadians want to watch women’s sports, finding channels that cover them can be difficult. Increasing media coverage of women athletes is essential for promoting gender equity in Canadian sport.

Spotlighting women in sport: Research and practice

The Government of Canada has committed to reaching gender equity in sport (at all levels) by 2035. Right now, we have a long way to go. Over 90% of Canadian sport media coverage is focused solely on men’s sport (Pegoraro and Moore, 2022). Women and girls have lower sport participation rates and higher dropout rates…

Girls and women in hockey

Women hockey players in Quebec often report needing to travel long distances or move away from home to play in women-only leagues. When girls or women’s teams aren’t available at the desired competitive level, many turn to boys or men’s teams. New research shows that a lack of access to girls and women’s hockey programs…

Combating gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) 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 of women.

The Role of Women Coaches

Digital storytelling is a research tool that packs a powerful punch. Explore how this study used the unique tool to demonstrate the important role women coaches have in providing quality sport participation and positive development to youth athletes.

Girls who play on boys’ sport teams

“Just having the ponytail come out of your helmet, the players, the people watching, people are going to notice and keep an eye on you to see if you’re holding your own, ‘Can the girl keep up, or does she fit the stereotype of not being as good as the boys?’”. Learn more about the…