Insights

Improving gender balance on community sporting club committees

Released in May 2025, this research examined the impact of the Balance the Board policy on community sport. It includes strategies for clubs, state sporting associations and local councils to increase representation of women on community sport committees and boards.

Steps to recruit and retain women officials

Released in April 2025, this summary of steps to recruit and retain women officials in community sport is drawn from the research 'Enhancing participation pathways for women sport officials.'

Enhancing participation pathways for women sport officials

Released in April 2025, this research examined the experiences of women officials in football (soccer), basketball, and Australian rules football.

The conversation of sport: representation of women in sports news coverage 2023-24

Released in February 2025, this second report explored coverage of women in sports news media, finding that 20% of sports news focused on women in the 2023-24 financial year. This is an increase in representation of one third compared to the previous year.

The conversation of sport: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

Released in December 2024, this report examined the impact of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on the representation of women in Victorian sports news coverage.

Benefits of having gender balance on state sport and active recreation boards

Released in June 2024, this research examined the impact of the Balance the Board policy. It found that having gender diversity on boards of sporting organisations contributed to more effective decision making, communication, positive culture and better risk management.

The conversation of sport: representation of women in sports news coverage

Released in February 2024, this report explored the underrepresentation of women in sports news media, finding that only 15% of sports news focused on women in the 2022-23 financial year.

The value of you can be what you can see

Released in July 2023, this report highlighted the major benefits and value to corporate sponsors who invest into the visibility of women’s elite sport.

State of play survey

Released in June 2023, this survey measured the attitudes of the Victorian community in 2022-23 towards gender equality in sport and active recreation, capturing results from volunteers, staff, players, coaches and spectators.

Enhancing participation pathways for women coaches in community sport

Released in February 2024, this research explored the key barriers experienced by women coaches and identified recommendations for sport governing bodies and community sporting clubs.

Shaping attitudes: exposure to women coaches and officials

Released in April 2024, this research examined attitudes towards women in coaching and officiating roles amongst children (aged 4 – 17 years) and parents involved in community sport in Victoria.

The volunteer capacity of community sports clubs to support women and girls in sport

Released in October 2023, this research investigated community clubs’ volunteer capacity and provided actions for sports clubs to engage and retain volunteers and to enable women and girls to play and volunteer in community sport.

Men as allies: supporting women and girls in community sport

Released in June 2023, this research aimed to identify practical and relevant actions for men to be allies for gender equality.

Enabling Muslim girls to play sport and be active

Released in June 2023, this research examined barriers to participation in sport and physical activity experienced by Muslim girls, and highlighted opportunities and solutions to overcoming these barriers.

Uniforms that encourage girls to play sport and be active

Released in March 2022, this research examined the effects of sport uniform policy changes. It followed earlier research which explored girls' thoughts and beliefs about sport uniforms.

Women in sport communication and marketing strategies

These strategies were developed in partnership with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) to assist community sport and recreation organisations looking to develop inclusive communication and marketing practices.