Amateur

Canadian women are missing out on the benefits of sports

temp fix empty alt images for attachment
(Josh Schaefer/ Golf Canada)

OTTAWA – Canada may be a sport-loving nation, but when it comes to access to sport for Canadian women, it has a long way to go for the win. So say the findings from a new research publication, unveiled today by Canada’s dairy farmers and the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS).

The report, entitled Women in Sport—Fuelling a Lifetime of Participation, highlights the severe gender inequality for Canadian women in sport, and is the first of its kind, pairing data and research from academic journals and peer-reviewed articles, with primary research obtained from national surveys and the analysis of four years of female sports media coverage.

Among its key findings:

The representation of women in sport commonly centres around femininity, rather than highlighting their athletic accomplishments.

With the purpose of the research publication being to inform, educate and inspire action across Canada, the study brings much-needed attention to the realities for women in sport and the challenges they face. To guide the research process, the publication aims to explore and uncover what principle hurdles impact female participation in sport.

The study was funded by Canada’s dairy farmers as part of their Fuelling Women Champions movement, which focuses on advancing female sport so that all women and girls, regardless of age or ability, can access and experience the benefits of sport.

What you can do:


For more information, to obtain a copy of the study, or to get involved in the initiative, visit www.womenchampions.ca.