International Women's Day: Progress and the Continued Need for Female Leadership in Sport and Recreation

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality, not just in society at large, but in all sectors, including sport and recreation. While progress has been made in many areas, there remains a glaring need for greater representation of women in leadership roles, particularly on boards and as chairs of sports organisations.

Despite improvements in gender parity in participation and visibility, the leadership pipeline in the sports sector continues to be male heavy.

Why Gender Equality Matters for the Sport and Recreation Alliance (Alliance) and our Members

Gender equality in sport and recreation is not just a matter of fairness—it is essential for the growth and sustainability of the sector. Greater diversity in leadership ensures that decision-making processes reflect a broad range of experiences, fostering innovation and inclusivity. Moreover, achieving gender balance in leadership enhances the credibility and appeal of sport and recreation organisations. Sponsors, investors, and fans increasingly demand diversity and inclusion, making it a key factor in the sector’s future success. For the Alliance, pushing for gender equality is not just a moral obligation but a priority that aligns with broader societal changes.

The Gender Leadership Gap in Sport Organisations

One of the most significant areas where gender disparity persists is in leadership positions, especially among board chairs. Despite the undeniable progress on sports boards, women remain underrepresented as board leaders.

A recent report by Perret Laver on diversity in leadership roles reveals that gender representation on funded sport boards is currently 57.4% male and 40.8% female, compared to 56.2% and 43.2% in 2020, respectively. Among the 76 chairpersons on boards, only 25% are women, with over 70% being male. Similarly, women hold just 26% of CEO positions within NGBs, while more than 70% of CEOs are male. This lack of representation at the top levels means that the voices of women, especially those who understand the specific challenges faced by female athletes, coaches, fans and leaders are often not included when important decisions are made.

The absence of women in these roles also limits the ability to push forward gender-specific initiatives, such as improving female representation in media coverage, addressing gender biases in coaching, and creating policies that promote equal access to facilities, funding, and sponsorship for female athletes.

A Global Perspective

Through the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s close collaboration with the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, we know that this isn’t just an issue faced by the UK. The IWG has access to a global perspective on gender inequalities within sport and the lack of women leaders is a world-wide challenge. For example, a recent research project by the EU and Council of Europe reported that from 21 countries involved, women remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles. Only 12% of sports federations have a female President, and 29% have a female Vice-President or Board members. While 59% of sports organisations have taken action to increase women’s representation, disparities remain stark.

Progress in Gender Parity

While the gender leadership gap remains, it’s essential to acknowledge the strides that have been made in the sector, especially the funded organisations. More women are stepping into key roles, and many governing bodies are introducing initiatives to tackle gender imbalance. The publication of the UK Sport Gender Equality Review by UK Sport in 2023 has been a step forward in identifying barriers and proposing strategies to break down some of these challenges faced by women.

For instance, organisations like the Football Association (FA), Rugby Football Union (RFU), and England Netball have made considerable efforts in addressing gender disparity at the leadership level, with women holding key board positions and leadership roles within these organisations. The introduction of female coaches and executives in traditionally male-dominated sports has also been encouraging.

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, emphasised the need for urgent action, stating:

“Gender equality in sport is not just a campaign—it’s a necessity. We must ensure that women’s voices are heard at every level of decision-making, from grassroots initiatives to boardrooms. A truly diverse and inclusive sector will inspire future generations and create lasting change. Now is the time for sport and recreation organisations to step up and commit to meaningful action.”

Looking Ahead: A Call for Action

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to take stock of the progress made, but also to recognise that there is still much work to be done. We must continue to push for greater representation of women at all levels of sport and recreation, from grassroots participation to leadership positions. More women must be encouraged to take up roles as chairs of sports boards, and organisations must commit to creating pathways for women to rise to these positions.

In addition, the sector must continue to address the challenges faced by women in sport and recreation. By creating more inclusive and supportive environments, the sector can unlock the full potential of women’s participation and leadership, benefiting not just women, but the entire sports community. It is vital the UK maintains this momentum in the push for gender equality within sport. Our colleagues at IWG have highlighted the report from the UN which predicts that at the current rate of progress, it could be 300 years before full gender equality is achieved, compounded by the findings from Ipsos which shows that over half of Gen Z and millennials think that when it comes to giving women equal rights to men “things have gone far enough”.

To drive meaningful change, sports and recreation organisations must commit to taking concrete actions, including:

• Commit to Leadership Targets: Set clear gender diversity targets for board and executive positions, ensuring women have pathways to leadership roles.
• Improve Recruitment Practices: Implement unbiased hiring processes, including diverse hiring panels, to encourage the selection of qualified female candidates.
• Enhance Mentorship and Development Programs: Create mentorship and leadership training programs specifically designed for women in sport.
• Promote Equal Investment: Advocate for equal access to funding, sponsorship, and resources for women’s sports at all levels.
• Create Safe and Inclusive Environments: Address issues such as discrimination and harassment to ensure sport remains welcoming to all.

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the power of diversity and the significance of fostering an equitable environment for all. It’s not just an ethical issue, but also a business imperative.

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