Why we need gender equality in triathlon

Gender equality for women in triathlon is about ensuring equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

Over the past decade, ground has been made in addressing specific issues around gender equity in sport, but there is still a great deal of work to be done to reach equal.

Triathlon Victoria is proud to be steering the Victorian Government’s Change Our Game initiative for multisport and provide more opportunities to women and girls.

Triathlon Victoria is committed to a gender-equitable sport, one that is inclusive, empowering and supportive.

In 2015, an independent inquiry conducted by the Victorian Government into women and girls in sport and recreation highlighted gender inequality in the Victorian sports sector, with women underrepresented in leadership roles and environments that are male-centric and dominated.

The report also highlighted a growing number of women and girls who are keen to showcase their talent and contribute to the sports sector; however, the opportunities to participate and lead were not readily available.

Through our dynamic Executive Director, Grant Cosgriff, he became part of the Change Our Game Champions Program and address recommendations made by the Inquiry; joining other influential leaders from the sport and active recreation sector to champion cultural change and generate leadership opportunities and experiences for women and girls.

In 2019, Triathlon Victoria made a move to address this disparity. Comprehensive research was undertaken to prepare a gender equity report which found males were over-represented in all sectors of the triathlon workforce: club administration, coaching, officiating and athletes.

Triathlon Victoria is committed to developing rewarding opportunities to support the growth of women and girls in our sport. We want to see equal rights in triathlon and place gender equity at the forefront in triathlon across clubs, administrators, coaches and athletes who all have a role to play in making our sport a safe, welcoming and inclusive for all  women and girls.

What our plan is:

2019	Gender equity report delivered to the Victorian Government  Action items set and project plan delivered to the Victorian  Government.
2020	Formation of a Women in Triathlon Working Party to manage KPIs from action items delivered to Government. WiTWP to work closely with all clubs and Triathlon Victoria for deliver on the project objectives. Launch of an online Women in Triathlon hub Launch of club training and assessment initiatives.
2021	Launch of professional development and networking opportunities