In a bold move to combat gender inequity and bolster the economic potential of women’s professional sport, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth has announced a groundbreaking investment of $325,000 for Canadian Women & Sport.
This funding is specifically allocated to support the Commercial Women’s Sport Initiative, which is aimed at revolutionising perceptions regarding the economic value of women’s professional sport, and embedding intersectional gender equity into this domain.
Minister Ien emphasised, “Stereotypes, discrimination, and biases have hindered gender equality in women’s professional sport, limiting its economic and social potential. This investment aims to provide leadership and career opportunities for Canadians within this sector.”
The initiative intends to achieve its objectives by establishing a network of champions, conducting ongoing research on the business and social value of investments in women’s professional sport, launching a communications campaign, engaging with stakeholders in the sports industry, and implementing robust measurement and evaluation activities.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Minister Ien participated in a roundtable discussion alongside Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport, and other industry leaders. The discussions centred around identifying and overcoming the barriers faced by women in professional sport, charting a collaborative path forward to drive substantial change in the industry.
The Government of Canada, committed to advancing gender equality in women’s professional sport, will continue collaborating with women’s organisations to propel initiatives that foster inclusive and empowering environments within this realm.
Reflecting on this substantial investment, Sandmeyer-Graves remarked, “A vibrant professional women’s sport market in Canada will create a virtuous cycle of commercial and societal benefits, empowering countless girls and women to achieve their full potential. We appreciate the Government of Canada’s commitment to catalyse economic security and prosperity for women through this investment in the professional women’s sport movement.”
Quick Facts
* Budget 2023 allocated $160 million over three years for the Women’s Program to support organisations serving women in Canada.
* A recent survey indicated that 76 percent of girls in Canada believe sport participation enhances their mental and emotional health and builds their confidence (Source: Canadian Women & Sport 2022 Rally Report).
* The Government of Canada aims to achieve gender equality in women’s sport at every level by 2035 (Source: Canadian Heritage News Release: Supporting Gender Equality in Sport).
* Canadian Women & Sport, with over 40 years of dedication, stands as the leading advocate for gender equity and inclusion in Canadian women’s professional sport, addressing barriers faced by women and girls in sport participation.
Main Photo Caption: Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth has announced a groundbreaking investment of $325,000 for Canadian Women & Sport to support the generation of economic value in women’s professional sport. Photo: Envato
Photo 2 Caption: Minister Ien emphasised, “Stereotypes, discrimination, and biases have hindered gender equality in women’s professional sport, limiting its economic and social potential. Photo: Envato
Photo 3 Caption: Round table discussions with Canadian Women & Sport and other industry leaders centred around identifying and overcoming the barriers faced by women in professional sport, charting a collaborative path forward to drive substantial change in the industry. Photo: Envato
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