Women in Sport
How Australian women and girls play and participate in sport.
In Australia, women are under-represented in organised sport—as participants, coaches, officials, administrators, and board members—when compared to their male cohort. 1, 4
A variety of strategies exist to help equalise opportunities for girls and women, however, concerns continue on how gender bias may prevent them from receiving the full benefits sport and physical activity (PA) can offer.
In September 2025 Australia’s estimated resident population was 27,724,744 people, 50.4% (13,959,666) were women and girls and around 24% of the female population participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 2, 3
Participation - 2025
* For more data, including different time periods, access the AusPlay Data Portal, opens in a new tab.
An estimated 2.4 million (21% of) Australian women [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
An estimated 853,000 (37% of) Australian girls [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
Around 1.3 million (11% of) Australian females [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in the previous 12 months. 4
Estimated sport-related participation by age group 3
Estimated sport-related participation at least once a week by State/Territory, Women [aged 15+] 3
- Australian Capital Territory - 53,000 (28%)
- New South Wales - 753,000 (21%)
- Northern Territory - 29,000 (26%)
- Queensland - 510,000 (22%)
- South Australia - 146,000 (18%)
- Tasmania - 49,000 (20%)
- Victoria - 609,000 (21%)
- Western Australia - 293,000 (23%)
An estimated 220,000 (11% of) Australian women [aged 18+] with disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
An estimated 82,000 (23% of) First Nations' women [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
An estimated 344,000 (22% of) Australian women [aged 18+] who speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
Most popular sport-related activities with estimated participants 5
Girls aged 0-14 | Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
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Topic Focus
Benefits of Sport
The benefits of regular sport and physical activity are numerous and supported by a broad body of research and evidence.
Factors influencing participation
Research has identified factors that can motivate, facilitate, or provide barriers to women's participation in sport.
Equity
Women are generally under-represented in sport leadership, administration, coaching, officiating, and media.
Policies, programs, and supporting structures
Australian and international initiatives to support and encourage female participation and leadership in all aspects of sport.
Awards and recognition
Many women in sport have been recognised over the years for their contribution to sport and society.
REFERENCES
- AusPlay Data Portal: Organised sport-related participation – frequency of participation, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 5 May 2026).
- National, state and territory population: September 2025, opens in a new tab, Australian Bureau of Statistics, (19 March 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – frequency of participation, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 5 May 2026).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Non-playing roles, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 5 May 2026).
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 5 May 2026).
Related topics
Last updated: 13 May 2026 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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