Australian Sports Commission workshop focused on bridging the gender gap in sport

A recently held workshop hosted in Melbourne by the Australian Sports Commission focussed on increasing the number of women in governance and leadership roles across Australian sport.

Attended by key figures and gender equity experts across sport, industry and government, programs and initiatives discussed included ‘Women Leaders in Sport’ that has been working to increase the diversity of the sport workforce, including administration, coaching and official roles.

The group also explored future opportunities to better support women in governance and leadership positions across sport.

ASC Chief of Staff Brooke De Landre said the decade ahead provided a generational opportunity to harness the value of sport in Australia and internationally to achieve significant outcomes.

“We’re seeing the incredible impact international sporting events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup is having on Australia and we will continue to work hard to ensure that everyone sees a place for themselves in sport.”

“This work will help us continue to bridge the gap in all aspects of sport, from participation to leadership roles.”

The day also included a panel discussion on the barriers, challenges and opportunities to achieving gender equity featuring Chair of Football Australia’s Women’s Football Council Leigh Russell, former Triathlon Victoria Chair Paul Stephens, Multicultural Women in Sport founder Molina Asthana and Victorian Institute of Sport Director and social justice advocate Azmeena Hussain OAM.

ASC Executive General Manager Diversity, People and Culture Bianca Broadhurst said despite a lot of great initiatives in place, women continue to be under-represented in leadership and governance positions.

Broadhurst noted “Just 22% of CEOs and 25% of Board Chairs across 65 funded national sporting organisations are women.

“We know improving diversity including gender in leadership and governance generates better decision making and helps create stronger and more sustainable organisations.”

The Australian Government has committed funding to the ASC to drive sector wide change and includes the development of a Gender Equity in Governance Policy.

The policy is currently being drafted and will look at ways to increase the representation of women and gender diverse people in key governance positions.

The ASC is also developing an Intersectionality Framework with key outcomes to be incorporated into the policy once the work has been completed.

Workshop attendees have been invited to join a network of people and organisations that will continue to explore opportunities to connect the sector and increase the number of women and gender diverse people working in leadership and governance roles in Australian sport.

For more information on Women Leaders in Sport initiative