More women in leadership roles in community sport, yes please!

How can we support more women to get into leadership roles in community sport across the state?

Deakin University’s latest research, funded through the Change Our Game Research Grants Program showcased the impacts of the state level Balance the Board Policy on community clubs. This Victorian Government policy requires all recognised Victorian sport and active recreation bodies to have a minimum of 40% women directors on its board to be eligible to apply for the Victorian Government’s Community Sport funding programs.

The research showed that clubs with a higher awareness of the importance of women’s representation in leadership were more likely to try and increase the number of women on their committee.

“Our gender policy led to the election of a female president,” said one of the respondents.

It also highlighted that the willingness of a club to act was based on their awareness and capability.

Another club noted ‘our club is located in a culturally diverse area, so it’s important that our leadership reflects that diversity.”

Having gender diversity in the governance of sport at a state-level also proved to influence opportunities for women and girls in leadership positions within community sporting clubs.

But what if your club or sporting association isn't echoing this sentiment of having women represented at a leadership level?

Here are some strategies:

• Promote women’s representation, such as encouraging recruitment of women in coaching and officiating roles
• Ensure equal access to facilities and conduct safety assets
• Challenge gender norms such as women being responsible for the club canteen
• Provide resources to support women’s representation on club committees, such as our summary of actions for clubs.
• Invest in gender diversity and inclusion training

No matter what level of awareness a club has about the importance of women in leadership, community sporting clubs, state sporting associations and local councils can all take steps to support increased women's representation.

For the full report read more on our Insights Page .