Fact Sheets
The Good Governance Project by vicsport is an initiative to increase the number of women on boards and committees at various levels in State Sporting Associations (SSAs). Run by vicsport with support from VicHealth, the project aims to develop organisational capacity to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for women to participate at this level. As part of the project, vicsport conducted a variety of research into the underrepresentation of women currently sitting on boards within the sport and recreation industry in Victoria.
An analysis of the board composition of Victorian State Sporting Associations (SSAs) by vicsport revealed that women are underrepresented at the top level of these organisations. Only 29% of board positions were occupied by women. These findings led to a literature review which revealed some possible barriers to women gaining board positions. These included: the culture of the organisation, family constraints, self efficacy, a lack of experience, and a lack of role models. To find out more about these barriers, and others, vicsport conducted interviews with women currently sitting on boards within the sport and recreation industry. The key objective of the interviews was to gather views based on firsthand experience and observations regarding common barriers, pathways onto board positions and possible strategies to encourage more women to get involved in governance positions of sporting organisations. At the conclusion of the project we hope to give women the skills, confidence and assistance to apply for and gain positions on boards and as a result increase the number of women currently filling the role of a director.
Interview Fact Sheets
Experiences and Perceptions of Female Directors
Research has revealed that women face a number of complex barriers that may hinder their advancement into leadership roles and representation on governing boards. Female directors were asked to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of these commonly reported issues in order to inform future strategies to overcome these.
The following fact sheets provide a valuable insight into these key issues, practical recommendations for individuals and for organisations wishing to improve gender diversity on boards not to mention some very inspirational stories.