Gender inequality in sport remains a persistent issue, despite decades of conversation around achieving equality. Women continue to face significant challenges in both participating and taking leadership roles within sports. In response to this ongoing gap, the GAP Women project has developed a specialized training tool aimed at grassroots sports organizations. The goal is to equip local clubs and managers with the knowledge and strategies they need to increase female participation and create a more inclusive environment.

Interview with Katerina Salta, Project Coordinator at the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), Carole Ponchon, ISCA Project manager, and Julie Mongard, Sport and Citizenship Communication Officer.

GAP Women: a unique approach to bridging the gender gap

The GAP Women training tool is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality in sports at the grassroots level.

“The GAP Women course is an entry-level resource to help you get started on the path toward gender equality within your organization,” emphasizes Katerina Salta, one of the experts of the project. The course is designed for managers, volunteers, and leaders in local sports clubs who want to improve the gender balance in their teams and organizations.

The tool addresses a clear need in the sector, where women still face barriers to entering and remaining in sports. “Sport is a powerful way to address societal gaps, but we still see underrepresentation and exclusion of women, even in grassroots sports,” highlights Carole Ponchon, expert on the topic who lead the development of this tool.

The GAP Women training course offers clubs a practical way to begin addressing this imbalance by providing the necessary knowledge and steps to take real action. “This course helps organizations identify gaps in their own practices and provides concrete steps they can take to make a difference,” Carole Ponchon.

Three key benefits of the gap women training course

The GAP Women course offers three main benefits to participants: knowledge, inspiration, and practical tools. These benefits are structured around the following key goals:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

The course provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to female participation in sports. It covers essential topics such as the barriers women face in sports, and the benefits of creating a more inclusive environment. 

“By understanding the situation, you’ll not only be able to recognize the challenges but also the opportunities that lie ahead.”

2. Inspiration through concrete examples:

The GAP Women training includes case studies and best practice examples. These stories showcase successful strategies that other clubs have used to attract and retain women in sports. These examples help clubs understand that they are not alone in the fight for gender equality and inspire them to create similar initiatives in their own organizations.

3. Practical tools for change:

The course provides participants with strategies to make meaningful changes in their clubs. These resources help clubs assess their current practices, communicate more effectively with women, and take tangible steps toward greater inclusivity.

“The most important aspect of the training is the practical tools provided,” explains Carole Ponchon. “We want managers and volunteers to walk away with clear, actionable steps they can implement in their own clubs.”

The importance of effective communication

A central theme in the GAP Women course is the focus on communication. Often, sports clubs unintentionally use language or imagery that can perpetuate stereotypes. “Effective communication is essential. It’s not just about the words we use; it’s about how we present ourselves and the messages we convey,” explains Katerina Salta. The course offers guidance on how to communicate inclusively with women, taking into account both verbal and non-verbal cues.

The GAP Women training tool also emphasizes the impact of imagery in marketing campaigns. “Sometimes, campaigns designed to attract women to sport end up reinforcing harmful stereotypes, especially when sexualized images are used,” Carole notes. The course offers examples of well-executed campaigns that have successfully communicated inclusive messages and gives clubs inspiration for their own outreach efforts.

Who should take the course?

While the GAP Women training tool is particularly beneficial for grassroots clubs and managers, it is a valuable resource for anyone working in sport who is committed to promoting gender equality. “The primary audience for this training is those working at the local or regional level. These are the people who are directly involved with participants and can make the most immediate impact.” Carole Ponchon

However, the course is also useful for coaches, volunteers, and leaders at higher levels who want to better understand the challenges of gender inequality in sport and how they can contribute to the solution. “Even if you’re working at an international or national level, it’s crucial to stay connected to the realities at the grassroots level,” Katerina Salta.

The first step to making a difference

The GAP Women course is just the beginning of a larger movement toward gender equality in sport. “It’s a tool to help you get started on the journey to gender equality, and it’s designed to empower you to take the next steps in your club.”

The course is meant to be a catalyst for change, encouraging clubs to reflect, learn, and implement strategies that will make their environments more welcoming for women. By taking this first step, clubs can create more inclusive, resilient organizations that not only attract more women but also empower them to take leadership roles and thrive in sports.

Conclusion: empowering clubs to make a change

The GAP Women course offers a meaningful way to create lasting change. “If we all take that first step, we’ll be on our way to a more equitable future in sport.” Carole Ponchon.

This tool is an essential resource for any club or organization eager to promote gender equality and foster a more inclusive sporting environment. “The change starts with you, and this course will help you take that first step,” concludes Katerina Salta.