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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 December 2024 Australia’s estimated resident population was 27,400,013 people, 50% (13,796,520) 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 - 2024

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An estimated 2.4 million (22% of) Australian women [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3

C4S-icon-sport-100px-Gymnastics

An estimated 830,000 (36% of) Australian girls [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week. 3

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Around 1.1 million (10% of) Australian females [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2024. 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 - 45,000 (24%)
  • New South Wales - 750,000 (22%)
  • Northern Territory - 28,000 (27%)
  • Queensland - 493,000 (21%)
  • South Australia - 146,000 (18%)
  • Tasmania - 54,000 (22%)
  • Victoria - 638,000 (22%)
  • Western Australia - 266,000 (22%)

C4S-icon-sport-100px-Wheelchair Rugby

An estimated 232,000 (12% of) Australian women [aged 18+] with disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3

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An estimated 86,000 (21% of) First Nations' women [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3

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An estimated 360,000 (23% 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+

Swimming - 612,000

Gymnastics - 261,000

Netball - 210,000

Football/Soccer - 177,000

DanceSport - 99,000

Tennis - 97,000

Basketball - 96,000

Running/jogging - 77,000

Australian Football - 66,000

Athletics, track and field - 66,000

Running/jogging - 470,000

Swimming - 311,000

Netball - 193,000

Basketball - 133,000

Tennis - 98,000

Volleyball - 97,000

Cycling - 94,000

Football/Soccer - 92,000

Badminton - 83,000

DanceSport - 82,000

Swimming - 1,007,000

Running/jogging - 959,000

Cycling - 443,000

Tennis - 264,000

Netball - 201,000

Football/Soccer - 154,000

Basketball - 149,000

DanceSport - 91,000

Golf - 85,000

Surfing - 80,000

Swimming - 493,000

Cycling - 203,000

Running/jogging - 119,000

Tennis - 113,000

Golf - 99,000

Martial Arts - 60,000

Bowls - 46,000

Table Tennis - 29,000

Canoeing/Kayaking - 27,000

Pickleball - 26,000

References
  1. AusPlay - National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report - 2022, Australian Sports Commission, (November 2022)
  2. National, state and territory population: December 2024, opens in a new tab, Australian Bureau of Statistics, (19 June 2025)
  3. AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – frequency of participation, opens in a new tabAustralian Sports Commission, (accessed 22 May 2025)
  4. AusPlay National data table - January to December 2022, Australian Sports Commission, (May 2023)
  5. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tabAustralian Sports Commission, (accessed 22 May 2025)

Topic Focus

    C4S-Image-Female hockey player controlling the ball with defenders nearby

    Benefits of Sport

    The benefits of regular sport and physical activity are numerous and supported by a broad body of research and evidence.

    C4S-image-girls high five (600x364)

    Factors influencing participation

    Research has identified factors that can motivate, facilitate, or provide barriers to women's participation in sport.

    C4S-image-Female presenting to a group

    Equity

    Women are generally under-represented in sport leadership, administration, coaching, officiating, and media.

    C4S-image- Girls high five on a football field

    Policies, programs, and supporting structures

    Australian and international initiatives to support and encourage female participation and leadership in all aspects of sport.

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    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 2025 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

Is this information complete? The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this topic, please contact us.

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The Clearinghouse for Sport pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Australian society and sport.