Minister Duncan's Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport Identifies Initiatives to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Sport Français
Today, the champions of the Minister of Science and Sport's Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport are meeting to identify ways to ensure that girls and women are treated equally and equitably in the Canadian sport system
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 31, 2018 /CNW/ - All Canadians should have the opportunity to get involved and excel in sport, regardless of gender, age or ability. They should be able to do so in an environment free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.
The Minister of Science and Sport's Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport, established by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan in April 2018, met today to find bold, tangible and measurable initiatives to ensure that girls and women are treated equally and equitably when they participate in sports in Canada.
The day-long meeting included presentations on gender-based violence in sport and breakout sessions that provided opportunities for detailed discussions around what needs to be done to create a safe and inclusive environment in sport. The members of the working group also discussed gaps in addressing gender-based violence in the sport system. As a result of these fruitful discussions, a number of short- and long-term actions will be proposed to the Minister.
This is the second official meeting of the Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport. A summary of discussions from the meeting on June 20 is now available on the Working Group website. Canadians are also invited to share their feedback about gender equity in sport through an online form.
Quotes
"The Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport is working hard to advance a Canadian sport system that better serves the needs of women and girls in sport. Today's discussions were an important step toward addressing the issue of gender-based violence in sport. I now look forward to hearing about the concrete actions that need to be taken to achieve gender equity in sport by 2035."
—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport
"For me, sport has been an incredible tool for personal development. Unfortunately, this isn't the case for all girls and women. This is why our committee is working hard on developing concrete measures to make sport free from gender-based violence. We all have the right to enjoy the benefits of sport without fearing for our safety."
—Guylaine Demers, President of Égale Action and Chair of the Working Group on Gender Equity
"Equity is a key strategy in reducing gender-based violence. Today's gathering of leaders from our sport community signals the importance and need to continue to use and improve the power of sport. Sport is a powerful tool for change, which should always be a positive example in shaping responsible, ethical and safe practices. Minister Duncan's leadership in creating this space for change will have a significant impact on Canada's strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence and equity in sport."
—Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer, Coaching Association of Canada and member of the Working Group on Gender Equity
"I feel very privileged to be part of such a tenured and talented group of athletes, coaches, researchers and sport administrators working together to ensure sport is a safe place for everyone. This is important and urgent work, and I'm certain that we will focus on constructive, tangible outcomes for Canadian athletes."
—Adam van Koeverden, four-time Olympic medallist and member of the Working Group on Gender Equity
Quick Facts
In June 2017, the Government of Canada announced It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. This builds on current federal initiatives, coordinates existing programs and lays the foundation for greater action on gender-based violence. The strategy is based on three pillars: prevention; support for survivors and their families; and promotion of responsive legal and justice systems.
In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada announced a target to achieve gender equality in sport at every level by 2035. This included an initial commitment of $30 million over three years to support data and research into innovative practices to promote the participation of women and girls in sport, and to support national sport organizations in promoting greater inclusion of women and girls in all facets of sport.
On April 24, 2018, the Minister of Science and Sport convened a Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport to gather the experiences, perspectives and insights of 12 champions for gender equity in sport and to provide a range of views and advice on strategies to better understand and serve the specific needs of women and girls in sport.
On June 19, 2018, the Government of Canada announced stronger measures to eliminate harassment, abuse and discrimination in Sport.
On June 20, 2018, the Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport shared with the Minister of Science and Sport their experiences, perspectives and insights on strategies to increase participation and retention of women and girls in all areas of sport.
Related Products
Minister Kirsty Duncan Announces Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport
Backgrounder: Biographies of the Working Group Members
Associated Links
Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Ann Marie Paquet, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science and Sport, 613-404-2733, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
Share this article