Women & Girls
Australian Sailing is committed to increasing women’s and girls’ participation in sailing, with a target of achieving gender parity by 2032. Clubs and class associations play an important role in creating welcoming, inclusive environments where women and girls can participate, develop their skills and progress through the sport.
Supporting Women & Girls in Sailing
Clubs and class associations can help increase participation by providing accessible entry points, promoting female role models, offering opportunities to build skills and confidence, and ensuring activities are welcoming to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. Consider how your club or class can:
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Encourage Participation
- Promote introductory sailing opportunities, social activities and programs that appeal to women and girls of different ages and experience levels.
- Partner with local schools and community groups to introduce more women and girls to sailing.
- Make information about costs, equipment and getting involved clear and accessible.
- Provide welcoming opportunities for women and girls to try sailing in a supportive environment.
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Create an inclusive environment
- Foster a culture of respect and ensure women and girls feel welcome, valued and supported.
- Challenge stereotypes and address discriminatory behaviour, harassment or exclusion.
- Review club facilities, policies and practices to identify barriers to female participation.
- Seek feedback from women and girls to understand their experiences to identify areas for improvement and develop relevant solutions.
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Increase visibility
- Celebrate female sailors, coaches, officials, volunteers and leaders to highlight their contributions to sailing.
- Feature women and girls in club communications, promotional materials and social media.
- Share stories of female role models and their achievements across different sailing pathways.
- Recognise women's contributions through club events, awards and other opportunities for acknowledgement.
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Support development
- Provide opportunities for women and girls to develop their sailing skills through coaching, training and mentoring.
- Encourage participation in racing, officiating, coaching and leadership opportunities.
- Promote pathways into competitive sailing and other roles across the sport.
- Connect women and girls with experienced sailors and mentors who can support their ongoing development.
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Careers in Sailing
Sailing offers a range of career opportunities beyond competing on the water, including coaching, officiating, instructing, boat building, marine industries and sports administration.
Promoting these pathways can help women and girls see the many ways they can build a future in the sport.
Explore Careers in Sailing
SheSails
SheSails is Australian Sailing's national campaign celebrating women in sailing and encouraging women and girls to participate at their local clubs. The campaign provides inspiration, resources and examples of initiatives that clubs can use to support and grow female participation in recreational and competitive sailing.
Visit the SheSails website to explore programs, events, stories and resources that can help your club take action.
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About SheSails
Discover how SheSails celebrates women and encourages greater participation across all ages and experience levels.
Find out more
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Club Resources
Access resources and practical tools to help your club encourage, support and grow participation of women and girls in sailing.
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Case Studies
Explore examples of successful club initiatives that have increased opportunities for women and girls in sailing.
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Further Information
Explore and promote the following resources for research, guidance and practical ideas to support women and girls in sailing and sport:
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SheLearns
Access resources to help promote and support female participation in sailing.
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Clearinghouse for Sport
Explore research and evidence on women's participation in sport.
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ASC Resources
Find information and resources relating to women and girls in sport
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Change our Game
Explore approaches to communicating and engaging women and girls in sport.
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