JANUARY 2012

WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP NETWORK

GENDER IN SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
…and bicycling?

Women boxers wearing skirts in the ring; women playing football and basketball in lingerie; women having their gender "verified"; and women still under-represented in leadership roles in the sport and physical activity system...Was Susan B. Anthony correct when she said: "Bicycling has done more to emancipate women than any one thing in the world"? CAAWS invites you to read the bulletin and share your ideas about gender in sport and physical activity on the Women and Leadership NETWORK Forum.

LEADERS' TIPS
FAYE ON DEALING WITH ADVERSITY

How leaders deal with adversity determines the type of leaders they are. Former elite athlete Faye Blackwood-who works for the Government of Ontario and has coached at the regional, provincial, national and international level-provides advice on how to face adversity effectively. She gives tips on a skill that is highly transferable as we deal with issues of gender in the Canadian Sport and physical activity system. Read it

IN CANADA ONLY 14% OF LEVEL 5 COACHES ARE WOMEN

Why does the gender gap in the Canadian coaching system persist? From a business perspective, when an incredible resource is being under-utilized (i.e. we could have more highly professional coaches coaching more girls and boys) leaders look for a solution. We asked Olympic Coach Sheilagh Croxon to start a discussion on "women: the untapped gold mine of the Canadian sport system". Join the conversation now!
Check out the Coaching Association of Canada's Facts & Stats on the issue.

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY! REALLY?

There have been a number of stories in the news lately that question just how far women have progressed in the sport system… more

Plus

THREE BUSINESS REASONS TO SUPPORT WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP
1. Sports organisations should strive towards better gender balance among their top executives, as women can generate new business by generating increased "consumer" understanding and different arguments…more

CANADIAN WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP ROLES
Canada has outstanding leaders in sport and physical activity, but there is still a need for more women in leadership roles. Did you know that only 25-28% of board members of Canadian national or multi-sports organizations are women? more

GENDER TESTING
The Canadian Sport Policy upholds the principle that sport is welcoming and inclusive, offering all Canadians an opportunity to participate without discrimination. Add to this that Gender diversity is increasingly visible in Canadian society… more

GIRLS STILL LESS ACTIVE THAN BOYS
According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey: Physical activity of youth and adults, girls are less active than boys - 4% compared to 9%. While action is needed to increase physical activity for everyone, the gender gap persists… more

RESOURCES AND TOOLS more

• Sport and Gender: Empowering Girls and Women (Right To Play)
• Gender Equality As Smart Economics - A Work in Progress (World Bank Group's Gender and Development Group in the Poverty Reduction and Economic Network)

DID YOU KNOW?

2011 represents 30 years of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity working to achieve gender equity in sport and physical activity. CAAWS has been instrumental in recognizing women's needs and successes. Go to caaws.ca to see the Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity Lists. (2011 List will be published in January 2012).