Women 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
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 2022 Australia’s estimated resident population was 26,315,575 people, 50.4% (13,255,355) were women and girls and around 35% of the female population participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week.2, 3
Participation - 2022
32% of Australian women [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week.3
46% of Australian girls [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week.3
14% of Australian women [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2022.4
Sport-related participation by age group3
Sport-related participation at least once a week by State/Territory, Women [aged 15+]3
- Australian Capital Territory - 38%
- New South Wales - 31%
- Northern Territory - 30%
- Queensland - 33%
- South Australia - 30%
- Tasmania - 34%
- Victoria - 33%
- Western Australia - 32%
An estimated 355,000(18% of) Australian women [aged 18+] with a disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week.3
An estimated 77,000 (26% of) First Nations' women [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week.3
An estimated 475,000 (27% 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 participants5
Girls aged 0-14 | Young Adult aged 15-24 | Adult aged 25-54 | Mature Adult aged 55+ |
|---|---|---|---|
Swimming - 942,000 Gymnastics - 415,000 Netball - 293,000 Football/Soccer - 237,000 Basketball - 154,000 Running/Athletics - 130,000 Tennis - 120,000 DanceSport - 109,000 Australian Football - 94,000 Karate - 75,000 | Running/Athletics - 320,000 Netball - 291,000 Swimming - 271,000 Basketball - 153,000 Football/Soccer - 151,000 Volleyball - 107,000 Tennis - 90,000 Australian Football - 83,000 Cycling - 73,000 Touch Football - 61,000 | Running/Athletics - 1,138,000 Swimming - 1,135,000 Cycling - 668,000 Netball - 322,000 Tennis - 285,000 Football/Soccer - 195,000 Surfing - 151,000 Basketball - 142,000 Equestrian - 136,000 Dancesport - 103,000 | Swimming - 660,000 Cycling - 335,000 Running/Athletics - 186,000 Golf - 177,000 Tennis - 159,000 Bowls - 113,000 Martial Arts - 75,000 Canoeing/Kayaking - 74,000 Dancesport - 51,000 Surfing - 47,000 |
References
- AusPlay - National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report - 2022, Australian Sports Commission, (November 2022)
- National, state and territory population: December 2023, opens in a new tab, Australian Bureau of Statistics, (13 June 2024)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – frequency of participation, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 1 May 2023)
- AusPlay National data table - January to December 2022, Australian Sports Commission, (May 2023)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 1 May 2023)
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.
Evaluated by: Professor Clare Hanlon, Susan Alberti Women in Sport, Victoria University (June 2023) Last updated: 28 June 2023 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
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