Sporting organisations aiming to build more inclusive and equitable environments are being encouraged to apply for the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) Executive Program. Now in its fourth year, the program supports national sporting organisations, national sporting organisations for people with disabilities, and state-level bodies by offering expert guidance on advancing gender equity in the workplace.
Ayden Shaw, CEO of Disability Sports Australia, emphasized the program’s value in helping organisations reassess and strengthen their internal cultures. He noted that while they had always valued people and culture, the program provided a structured approach to understanding and implementing best practices. For Disability Sports Australia, participation in the program led to initiatives like a compressed working week, improved gender balance, and the formation of a Disability Advisory Committee.
To date, 35 sporting organisations have participated in the Executive Program, benefiting from a Gender Equity & Inclusion Assessment Audit, tailored action plans, interactive workshops, and access to subject matter experts. The structured support has proven especially impactful for smaller organisations seeking meaningful change.
The WLIS initiative, managed by ASC and funded by the Australian Government, has reached over 28,000 women and supported more than 800 sporting organisations to elevate women into leadership roles. For Table Tennis Australia, the Executive Program paved the way for further advancement, culminating in a WLIS Organisation Grant to support additional gender equity-focused projects.
CEO Nicole Adamson credited the WLIS support as instrumental in progressing their efforts, stating that the funding and guidance accelerated their journey toward greater inclusion and representation within the sport.
