ABSTRACT
In 2017 Canada’s population was 36,708,100 dispersed over 10 provinces and 3 territories. Of this population, 50.4% are girls and women. Yet Canadian women are largely under-represented in leadership positions within many industries such as business, law, engineering, and medicine. Sport is another sector where women are under-represented in its many facets – as coaches, officials, administrative and technical staff, leaders of sport organizations, and executive volunteers. This chapter provides an opportunity to describe and analyze in greater detail women’s experiences within the context of Canadian sport organizations, as well as the current issues and barriers limiting women’s complete involvement and participation in the Canadian sport system. The chapter is divided into four sections: (1) government actions and organizations working toward gender equity; (2) women’s involvement in leadership positions; (3) gender-based violence in sport; and (4) future prospects to achieve gender equity in the Canadian sport system.
