Canadian Women in Sport Leadership Report Highlights Progress and Challenges
Canadian Women and Sport report says gaps persist in leadership roles

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A report by Canadian Women and Sport reveals that while women now hold 45% of board seats in national sports organizations, the number of female CEOs has dropped to 34%. The report emphasizes the need for more inclusive leadership to improve opportunities for girls in sports.
- 01Women occupy 45% of board seats and 48% of board chair positions in national sports organizations.
- 02The percentage of female CEOs has decreased to 34%, marking an eight-point drop since 2023.
- 03Women make up 48% of senior staff in the national sport system, but representation is lacking among Indigenous women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ women.
- 04The report calls for mandatory diversity in board member selection criteria to ensure broader representation.
- 05The federal government has announced $775 million in funding over five years to support women's and girls' participation in sports.
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The 2025-26 “Women in Sport Leadership Snapshot” report by Canadian Women and Sport reveals significant advancements and setbacks in women's representation in sports leadership. Women now hold 45% of board seats and 48% of board chair positions in national sports organizations, indicating a positive shift. However, the number of female chief executive officers has sharply declined to 34%, the lowest since data collection began in 2018. The report highlights that while women comprise 48% of senior staff, there is a notable lack of representation among Indigenous women, women of color, and LGBTQ+ women in leadership roles. CWS CEO Allison Sandmeyer-Graves emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership in creating equitable opportunities for girls in sports. The report also underscores the need for diversity in board selection processes, as existing policies have not significantly diversified leadership. With the federal government’s recent commitment of $775 million over five years, there is an opportunity to embed these changes into the sports system for lasting impact.
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The report highlights the need for inclusive leadership to ensure girls have equal opportunities in sports, which could lead to better health and community engagement.
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