Women continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions in sport. There are far fewer women coaches, managers and members of boards of directors across all levels of both men’s and women’s sports.

In the next virtual Women in Leadership meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Michele Donnelly, Assistant Professor in Brock’s Department of Sport Management, looks at the challenges and successes that women face in their struggle for equity in sport.

When women are not part of the leadership and decision-making in sport organizations, gender inequality persists, she says. The experiences of girls and women are not taken into account, girls and women do not see opportunities for themselves in those positions and beliefs about “natural” gender differences are reinforced.

Increasingly, sport organizations such as the International Olympic Committee have made public commitments to gender equality. Often, these commitments emphasize not only girls’ and women’s participation as athletes, but also as leaders and decision-makers. However, Donnelly contends that progress toward gender equality is not quick or linear, and it is definitely not guaranteed.

The Women in Leadership initiative aims to support women in formal and informal leadership positions and to encourage the next generation of potential women leaders. All women and allies are invited to attend the monthly virtual meetings.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: On Microsoft Teams. Click here for details and instructions to join.