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EVIDENCE BASE FOR SPORT

Women in Sport

In Australia, women are under-represented in organised sport—as participants, coaches, officials, administrators, and board members—when compared to their male cohort. 1

A variety of strategies exist to help equalise opportunities for girls and women, however, concerns continue on how gender bias may prevent them from receiving the full benefits sport and physical activity (PA) can offer.

In 2022 Australia’s estimated resident population was 26,315,575 people, 50.4% (13,255,355) were women and girls and around 35% of the female population participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 2, 3

PARTICIPATION - 2022



32% of Australian women [aged 15+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
46% of Australian girls [aged 0-14] participated in organised outside-of-school hours sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
14% of Australian women [aged 15+] were involved in a non-playing role at least once in 2022. 4
Sport-related participation by age group 3
Sport-related participation at least once a week by State/Territory, Women [aged 15+] 3
  • Australian Capital Territory - 38%
  • New South Wales - 31%
  • Northern Territory - 30%
  • Queensland - 33%
  • South Australia - 30%
  • Tasmania - 34%
  • Victoria - 33%
  • Western Australia - 32%
An estimated 355,000 (18% of) Australian women [aged 18+] with a disability participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
An estimated 77,000 (26% of) First Nations' women [aged 18+] participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
An estimated 475,000 (27% of) Australian women [aged 18+] who speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home participated in a sport-related activity at least once a week. 3
Most popular sport-related activities with estimated participants 5
Girls aged 0-14
Swimming - 942,000
Gymnastics - 415,000
Netball - 293,000
Football/Soccer - 237,000
Basketball - 154,000
Running/Athletics - 130,000
Tennis - 120,000
DanceSport - 109,000
Australian Football - 94,000
Karate - 75,000
Young Adult aged 15-24
Running/Athletics - 320,000
Netball - 291,000
Swimming - 271,000
Basketball - 153,000
Football/Soccer - 151,000
Volleyball - 107,000
Tennis - 90,000
Australian Football - 83,000
Cycling - 73,000
Touch Football - 61,000
Adult aged 25-54
Running/Athletics - 1,138,000
Swimming - 1,135,000
Cycling - 668,000
Netball - 322,000
Tennis - 285,000
Football/Soccer - 195,000
Surfing - 151,000
Basketball - 142,000
Equestrian - 136,000
Dancesport - 103,000
Mature Adult aged 55+
Swimming - 660,000
Cycling - 335,000
Running/Athletics - 186,000
Golf - 177,000
Tennis - 159,000
Bowls - 113,000
Martial Arts - 75,000
Canoeing/Kayaking - 74,000
Dancesport - 51,000
Surfing - 47,000
  1. AusPlay National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report, Australian Sports Commission, (November 2022)
  2. National, state and territory population: December 2023, Australian Bureau of Statistics, (13 June 2024)
  3. AusPlay Data Portal: Sport-related participation – frequency of participation, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 1 May 2023)
  4. AusPlay National data table - January to December 2022, Australian Sports Commission, (May 2023)
  5. AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 1 May 2023)

Topic Focus



Benefits of Sport

The benefits of regular sport and physical activity are numerous and supported by a broad body of research and evidence.
Factors influencing participation

Research has identified factors that can motivate, facilitate, or provide barriers to women's participation in sport.
Equity

Women are generally under-represented in sport leadership, administration, coaching, officiating, and media.
Policies, programs, and supporting structures

Australian and international initiatives to support and encourage female participation and leadership in all aspects of sport.
Awards and recognition

Many women in sport have been recognised over the years for their contribution to sport and society.

Related Topics

Participation in sport

Physical Activity

Men in Sport

Australia's First Nations Peoples and Sport

Sport and Persons with Disability

Mature-aged Sport

Sexuality and Gender Perspectives on Sports Ethics

Volunteers in Sport

Evaluated by: Professor Clare Hanlon, Susan Alberti Women in Sport, Victoria University (June 2023)
Last updated: 28 June 2023
Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer

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