Women and Girls in Sport
Women and Girls in Sport
Despite the strides made towards gender equity, women and girls still face an uneven playing field when it comes to sport.
For those with culturally diverse backgrounds, the barriers to participation are especially challenging with the fight for inclusivity and recognition an ongoing effort.
This article sheds light on some of the stereotypes and challenges women and girls experience in sport while highlighting inclusive club practices paving the way for a more equitable future.
Address stereotypes and cultural norms
Gender stereotypes have long been a barrier preventing women from engaging in sports. While female athletes and sportswomen are on the rise, these stereotypes still exist and are experienced by women and girls from a grassroots level to coaching and leadership roles.
Isabella Fraser, a coach at Centenary Stormers Football Club in Queensland, says she’s often overlooked by parents and spectators who assume that a male figure must be in charge.
"Quite often, I'm looked at last, even if I'm in the club polo and got the whiteboard, and I've been there the whole time," Fraser shares.
“With some parents, it's taken the whole season for them to realise and learn to just respect that I'm their kid's coach. Other parents never do.”
This reflects a broader issue in sport where women in leadership roles, like coaching, often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Clubs can address this by actively recruiting and supporting women’s progression, offering mentoring and shadowing opportunities, promoting gender equity through policies, and celebrating female leaders. Creating inclusive environments and equal opportunities will help ensure women are valued as key contributors to the success of the sport.
Meanwhile, Belinda Fisher, President of Centenary Stormers, recalls instances where boys would tell girls they shouldn't be playing soccer, perpetuating that certain sports are only for boys.
To tackle gender bias and foster a sense of unity, Fisher stresses on the important role club members can play in supporting girls to thrive in sport
“What we've done is taken the girls’ team under our wing. The first men's team provided a lot of emotional support for them and got them engaged when they were winning games, so made them feel like they were part of the club and valued.”
The club also commits to calling out behaviour that is not inclusive and encourages parents to advocate for girls' right to play and their progression within the sport.
“I've always been pushing for more girls to be involved in the sport,” Fisher says.
“I definitely think having more visibility of women in playing sport and in other positions will increase the number of women who want to become involved or see that it's possible to do that.”
Make uniforms more inclusive
Clubs and organisations should implement inclusive practices to align with the vision that sport has a place for everyone, regardless of gender, cultural background, or religious beliefs.
Zahra Ahmadi, an AFL and boxing participant, highlights the importance of accommodating the needs of Muslim girls in sports after her experience with uniforms made it difficult for her to play.
“My mum wanted me to stop playing; the main reason was because of the uniform,” Zahra explained.
“Muslim girls are meant to be fully covered, so clubs should provide the same colour as the jersey for a scarf, tights, and long-sleeve shirt.”
One club leader who demonstrates inclusivity is Alice Shepherd-Ashby, President of Kenmore Bears Netball Club. She took steps to change bylaws and offer a range of uniform options to help players feel more comfortable.
"It means that players can now choose what is preferred for them, not just for cultural reasons, but for personal comfort as well," she notes.
Such practices not only make sport more accessible but also send a powerful message that everyone is welcome.
Prioritise diverse representation and leadership
Representation matters. Whether as committee members, coaches, or players, Isabella Fraser says women's voices are crucial in ensuring that girls' needs are not overlooked.
“Having more leaders and coaches who are women and happy to engage with the female community speaks volumes,” Fraser says.
"It's about making sure that they're not forgotten, and there's usually no issue about it. It's just someone raising their needs.”
While the presence of women on committees across sporting organisations is growing, Belinda Fisher stresses the importance of creating flexible environments to support diversity.
"Providing a space where women can participate flexibly is probably the best way of getting women involved," Fisher says.
Make women visible - inspire the next generation
Watching female athletes rise to the top of their sport and represent Australia has had a profound impact on young girls, inspiring them to believe in their potential.
"Success of teams at a national level has definitely given girls the idea that they can achieve, they can do what they can do because there is that recognition," Fisher observes.
This recognition, coupled with the visibility of women in leadership and playing roles, helps foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among young female athletes.
Sam Escobar, President of Logan Metro Football Club, adds: "When they see representation of females that wear hijabs and who coach, it makes it so much easier for them to get involved."
This visibility is crucial in encouraging participation and breaking down the barriers that have long held women back in sports.
For more strategies and resources on women and girls in sport visit The Australian Sports Commission website.