ICES Webinar 6 ‘Why are all my coaches men?’: Engaging, education and empowering female community coaches

One of the underpinning principles of ICES is that programming is participant centred The design of programmes are focussed on the needs, entitlements and stage of development of the children and young people taking part in sport. How does this currently affect girls and young women participating in sport and developing their participation into a sports coach or leadership role?

Sport and development can enable the full involvement of women to become coaches and leaders in sport. Providing the means, opportunities and systems development will allow women with wide ranging skills to break through into different types of roles in sport including administration, sports development, officiating and sports management.

NOWSPAR is a membership organisation of Zambian women and men who believe that sport, physical activity and recreation have the power to foster social change and increase an individual’s quality of life. Advocating, educating, and increasing participation of women and girls in sports. Activities include: Health education and awareness, capacity building, mentoring and skills development focusing on areas ranging from: promoting sport for development – prevention of gender based violence/abuse.

The 2011 European Women in Sport (EWS) Declaration is primarily events focused, created by a European Women’s network is available to everyone as a good practice tool. The declaration is based on the 1994 Brighton Declaration on Women in Sport – a ground breaking declaration, recognized internationally which outlines 10 basic principles for organizations to follow when delivering sport. Over 250 organizations are signed to the Brighton Declaration and more are welcome to join them.

There is a realization that enabling women to aspire to high level positions in sport will inspire and increase lifelong participation for many girls and women at all levels from community participation to elite female athletes. ‘How does this realization become reality?’

What research is available to read and use to demonstrate the case and need for women in sport? The newly appointed Anita White Foundation aims to provide a central point of reference for scholars and activists in the worldwide women and sport movement and to support the education and development of women leaders from developing countries.

Panel discussion Women in Sport: past, present and future.

Future ICES Webinars: Dates for 2012 to be confirmed. Future ICES Webinar topics: ideas for future webinar topics to: by 25 November Future Events: Next Step Conference – 7-13 November 2011 including Next Step Symposium – 7 November