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Gender Equity
Gender equity in sport refers to creating inclusive and welcoming sport environments for all genders. Our resources offer the latest research and insights related to creating participation opportunities for underrepresented genders.
Search Gender Equity Resources
Top 10 resources
- Key Considerations to Promote the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Athletes
- Resources and Training to Support the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Athletes in Sport
- Organizations Leading the Way to Support the Inclusion of Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ Individuals in Sport
- SIRC Article: Understanding the Capacity of National Sport Organizations (NSOs) for Gender Equity: Recommendations for NSO Leaders and Policy Directors
- SCRI Panel: Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practices in Sport Organizations
- Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport
- Rally Report 2022: A Call For Better, Safer Sport for Girls
- What the Research Says About Mom’s Participation in Physical Activity and Sport
- Promoting Gender Equity through Sport
- The Leading Edge: Good Practices for Creating Gender-Equitable Boards in Sport
Featured resource
SIRC and Canadian Women & Sport
Featured resource
Hayley Baker
Featured resource
Laval University, Concordia University, and SIRC
Featured resource
Sport Information Resource Centre
Featured resource
Swarali Patil and Alison Doherty
Featured resource
SIRC and Canadian Women & Sport
Quick Facts
What is gender equity in sport, and why is it important?
Gender equity in sport means ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for all genders. It it crucial because it promotes inclusivity, fights discrimination, and allows everyone to participate and excel in sport. It means equipping those who have been disadvantaged with the appropriate resources to bring more balance into the system.
Which groups need more research and inclusion in sports to achieve gender equity?
Groups needing more research and inclusion for gender equity in sport include women, transgender, and non-binary athletes. Addressing their unique challenges and barriers is crucial for creating a truly equitable and inclusive sports environment.
What does 2SLGBTQI+ mean?
2SLGBTQI+ is the term that refers to individuals who are part of sexual and gender diverse communities. They refer to the following:
2S: Two-Spirit
L: Lesbian
G: Gay
B: Bisexual
T: Transgender
Q: Queer
I: Intersex (sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression)
+ Inclusive of other individuals who may use additional terminology.
How can sport organizations move towards gender equity?
One step would be to implement minimum numbers as part of a gender-equal board. This could be done by requiring that a minimum number of the positions be held by each gender or non-binary individuals.
Have recruitment and hiring strategies are free of bias. This can be achieved by having individuals apply without indicating their gender or have hiring committees that are split equally by gender.
Create a welcoming and equitable culture by ensuring the proper policies are in place that emphasize respect and inclusion. Sport leaders should demonstrate those values so that other team members are encouraged to do the same.
Other examples of what can be done include making sure all genders are represented in promotional materials but ensuring to avoid stereotypes; making sure all genders have fair access to resources, equipment, and facilities; and ensure that gender-split programs are each getting the resources/funding that they deserve.
What are the benefits of gender equity in sport?
At the board and organizational level, it brings an increased number of perspectives, backgrounds, skills, which can improve innovation and decision-making. At the coaching and officiating level, it means more a wider pool of qualified candidates from which to recruit. At the workplace level, there are many benefits, but they can be summed up in an increased respect between coworkers and between levels within the organization. And in sport participation, it means the creation of a positive environment for all participants!
Video Resources
2B: A two-part examination of barriers and facilitators that affect progression in leadership roles
- Queen’s University and SIRC
- 2022
Driving Change Spotlight: Lee Anna Osei
- Black Canadian Coaches Association and SIRC
- 2020
Sports Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Athletes
- Laval University, Team Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, University of Waterloo, and SIRC
- 2017
SCRI: Examining and Addressing Constraints to Sport Participation among Female Adolescents
- Ontario Tech University and SIRC
- 2021
7B: Expanding Understanding of Motherhood and Sport in Socio-Cultural Context
- Laurentian University and SIRC
- 2022
Overcoming bias in the workplace: How leaders can drive change
- Queen's University
- 2020
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
Girls participation in traditionally male dominated sport
With more women participating in sport globally, traditionally male dominated sports like football and cricket are being redefined as more young girls step up to
With more women participating in sport globally, traditionally male dominated sports like football and cricket are being redefined as more young girls step up to play. This study uncovers their challenges with gender stereotypes that Australian girls face and highlights the crucial role of mentors and social support in breaking barriers and reshaping social norms.
knowledge nuggets
Gender pay gap in elite and semi-pro sport
Although progress has been made, a major gender pay gap still exists in elite and semi-pro sports, with male athletes earning significantly more than their
Although progress has been made, a major gender pay gap still exists in elite and semi-pro sports, with male athletes earning significantly more than their female counterparts. With public sports funding being a key driver of this gap, more attention must be paid to the inequalities in funding.
knowledge nuggets
Gender, settler colonialism, and sport in Indigenous communities
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted
Have you ever considered the dynamics between gender, settler colonialism, and sport within Indigenous communities? For instance, lacrosse, once a traditional Indigenous practice, was adopted by white settlers, altering its cultural significance. Gendered expectations within settler colonial institutions, like residential schools, have also enforced ideals that impact Indigenous women’s participation in sports like lacrosse. To create inclusive sport spaces, it’s important to not only recognize Indigenous culture and challenge colonial structures, but also to prioritize gender inclusivity.
knowledge nuggets
Why gender equity faces pushback in sport governance
Despite the emphasis on diversity, achieving gender balance in sport governance often meets resistance. Discover how outdated mindsets and buzzwords like “meritocracy” are being used
Despite the emphasis on diversity, achieving gender balance in sport governance often meets resistance. Discover how outdated mindsets and buzzwords like “meritocracy” are being used to keep women out of top decision-making roles in sport.
knowledge nuggets
Gender inequality in sport media
For the past 30 years, research has shown that men’s sports continue to dominate media coverage, with women’s sports often receiving minimal attention. Despite some
For the past 30 years, research has shown that men’s sports continue to dominate media coverage, with women’s sports often receiving minimal attention. Despite some progress on social media and online newsletters, gender imbalances persist, highlighting the need for more equitable representation in sports media.
knowledge nuggets
Gender inequality in sport research
Despite progress, gender imbalances remain prevalent in many areas of sport, including research. This study shows that 66% of participants were male and only 34%
Despite progress, gender imbalances remain prevalent in many areas of sport, including research. This study shows that 66% of participants were male and only 34% female, highlighting the need for more gender equitable research going forward.
knowledge nuggets
Pregnancy and (a lack of) sport research
Pregnant women have unique health considerations, but they’re significantly underrepresented in sport research. As a result, we’re faced with severe knowledge gaps concerning female-specific cardiovascular
Pregnant women have unique health considerations, but they’re significantly underrepresented in sport research. As a result, we’re faced with severe knowledge gaps concerning female-specific cardiovascular physiology and sports performance. Researchers are calling for more inclusive research and sex-specific guidelines to better inform the training and participation policies of pregnant women.
knowledge nuggets
Creating supportive spaces for women working in sport
A study of women managers in a men’s professional sports league uncovered prevalent sexism, including the objectification and diminishment of women. The results highlight the
A study of women managers in a men’s professional sports league uncovered prevalent sexism, including the objectification and diminishment of women. The results highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive anti-sexism training and supportive policies for women in the sports industry.
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