A State Government report which highlights the stark imbalance between male and female management in sports organisations will assist the sector to strive for gender balance in its leadership roles.
The McGowan Government today released the Gender Diversity Case for Change report - following its successful push at the Meeting of Sport and Recreation Ministers in Sydney last year to indorse a target of 50 per cent female representation in sports leadership roles.
The report shows less than a third of sporting board roles in Western Australia are held by women, with about one in eight sports not having a single woman on their board.
The release of the Case for Change report coincides with International Women's Day and provides a business case for gender diversity, highlighting the many benefits State Sporting Associations would realise from having greater gender balance in their leadership structures.
The Gender Diversity Case for Change report was developed by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the department would work with WA's sport and recreation organisations to help them achieve greater gender diversity in their management structures.
Sport and recreation organisations can view the Case for Change report at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/case-for-change
As noted by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"Women have a strong presence in WA sport and recreation - except when it comes to leadership positions. While this imbalance continues, organisations are missing out on vast expertise and knowledge by not seeking more female representation.
"Case for Change provides a clear outline of the economic, cultural and social benefits to be found with a more balanced leadership structure."
As noted by Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk:
"Australians love sport and it plays an important role in our communities, which is why it is important that we achieve gender equality in sport.
"The theme of this year's International Women's Day is More Powerful Together, which acknowledges the significant benefits of gender equality.
"Because when women have equality we all benefit - men, women, children, the community and our economy will all grow and prosper by closing the gender gap."
