Stereotypes, discrimination, and bias contribute to gender inequity in women's professional sport, limiting the industry's economic and social potential. Investment in women's sport provides leadership and career opportunities for Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth announced $325,000 for Canadian Women & Sport, to support the Commercial Women's Sport Initiative, which aims to:
- Shift mindsets on the economic value and investment potential of women's professional sport
- Enhance capacity to embed intersectional gender equity into women's professional sport
This will be achieved through a network of champions, continued research on the business and social value of these investments, a communications campaign, outreach to stakeholders in the sports industry, as well as measurement and evaluation activities.
Minister Ien also participated in a roundtable discussion with Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport, and other industry leaders, to discuss the barriers faced by women in professional sport and to chart a path forward.
Women and Gender Equality Canada is invested in both the economic and social benefits of women's professional sport. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with women's organizations to support initiatives that advance gender equality.
