As a student, parent or school leader we need your input!

*

Please consider taking our survey!

As a student, parent or school leader we need your input! * Please consider taking our survey!

Applying a Gender Equity Lens to Understand Sport and Physical Activity Opportunities and Barriers in Ontario Schools

This project aims to understand participation of girls and gender-diverse youth in sport and physical activity within Ontario schools and to identify barriers and opportunities. Canadian Women & Sport and Dr. Catherine Sabiston at the University of Toronto were commissioned by the Ministry of Education Safe and Healthy Schools Branch to lead a multiphase research project from March 2023 to August 2024. For taking part in the survey, the toolkit we develop will be customized to meet the specific needs identified through this survey and provided to you once data collection is complete!

We Need You!

  • Are you a student K-Grade 12? And have a parent or guardian near by to provide consent for your participation in the survey?

  • Are you the most knowledgeable school leader in the games, activities, movement, exercise and sport at your school?

Your survey input will contribute to the broader movement towards gender equity in physical activity within schools

Your survey input will contribute to the broader movement towards gender equity in physical activity within schools

  1. What does physical activity, movement, and sport look like in Ontario public and Catholic schools? 

  2. What do student attitudes look like toward physical activity, movement, and sport in Ontario public and Catholic schools? 

  3. What are the benefits to physical activity, movement, and sport at schools in Ontario public and Catholic schools?   

  4. What are the barriers to physical activity, movement, and sport at schools in  Ontario public and Catholic schools? 

This research study will aim to find out:

If you're interested in learning more about more of our work in sport, visit www.rethinksportproject.com. Consider also subscribing to our newsletter!

We are also running a YOUTH coast to coast logo competition for our new project TheRethinkSportProject. You can access the competition information here.

  • Despite benefits, there is limited emphasis on boosting participation among girls and gender-diverse youth. Linking sport with other goals, such as mental health support, presents a significant opportunity

  • Evidence indicates that girls participate less in school sports, favoring activities outside school. Further exploration into their attitudes and beliefs about school-based sports is necessary.

  • To address known and structural barriers unique to the Ontario school system, further research is required, especially on the role of quality experiences and social belonging.

  • The potential impact of teachers and school leaders in supporting girls’ sports participation needs more exploration, particularly regarding women’s representation in these roles.

Phase 1 Recap

Included a comprehensive review of the Ontario school landscape, publicly available materials and recently previously collected date. Key insights included: