Welcome to the module on why your organisation should work to close the GAP. In other words, we will explore here how your organisation can benefit from attracting more women.
The GAP Women partners strongly believe that fostering access to and the participation of women and girls in sports can have a substantial positive impact on sports organisations.
In this section, we will:
Various studies - included those conducted as part of the “ALL IN: Towards gender balance in sport” project by the. Council of Europe in 2019_-_ have demonstrated the positive impacts of getting more women on board for society and for sport organisations in general.
Benefits ranged from:
Gender equality is generally associated with progressive organisations that are responsive to social change, which may improve the image of the organisation in the eyes of government, members, spectators, media, potential sponsors and the general public. This can in turn have a significant impact on the following point.
As women represent half of the European population, including them better offers an organisation an expansion of its “market” through better outreach of all groups and profiles of individuals, attracting more public interest and private investment and, in turn, potentially, more memberships. For instance, more coaches of the under-represented sex may shift the culture and the dynamics in the organisation and attract more members.
Expanding your talent pool leads to a richer array of perspectives, fostering innovation and creativity. In fact, diversity within teams and organisations brings together varied perspectives, produces a more multifaceted analysis of the issues at stake, and triggers greater effort from all that leads to improved decisions and performance. This can also increase creativity, innovation and members’ understanding, and foster mutual learning and motivation. Reflecting the diversity of your customer base enhances your organisation's ability to understand and meet varied market needs.
In the context where sports organisations often face difficulties in recruiting coaches, attracting volunteers, finding decision makers, etc., investing in women can lead to more human resources.
In addition, demonstrating a commitment to diversity makes your organisation more attractive to top talent, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. Last but not least, inclusive workplaces boost morale and engagement, resulting in a more productive and satisfied workforce.
The GAP Theory of Change is a strategic approach that emphasises Gender diversity, Advocacy, and Performance as pillars for organisational success.
By fostering an inclusive environment, sport organisations can unlock a range of benefits, including improved creativity, enhanced problem-solving, and a broader talent pool. Let's delve into each element of the GAP Theory and discover the positive impact it can have on your organisation.
To successfully implement a strategy of attracting more women to your sport organisation, it's crucial to have your stakeholders on board.
In this section, we will provide valuable insights and advice on how to effectively communicate the benefits of gender diversity and gain the support needed for positive change. Of course, you will have to adapt and tailor them to your context and the stakeholder's centre of interest.
The role of mass media, particularly through television, digital platforms, and social media, plays a crucial role in the advancement and globalization of the Olympic movement. The struggle for women's representation in sports and sports media is closely interwoven with the gendered power dynamics prevalent in sports, which historically have been shaped by hegemonic masculinity. Kay (2020) contends that although "white, middle-class, non-disabled, cisgender, and heterosexual women" might experience cultural discomfort when expressing themselves, there are other groups, such as people of colour, queer women, and those with disabilities, who face even greater risks, including the potential for violence when voicing their opinions.
For example, a review conducted by Rees et al. (2019) analysing sixteen studies on media coverage of para-athletes from 2001 to 2017 revealed that, despite the media visibility of elite athletes with disabilities being significantly lower than that of their counterparts without disabilities, women athletes with disabilities face an even greater lack of visibility in the media.
And maybe the most powerful answer to the question, why we shall address the GAP is from the girls themselves. HerSport is an organisation based in Ireland and they have created a video that says it all: #DoItForHer. We believe it is a solid enough reason. Enjoy the watch!
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