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October 19, 2009
RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS
New CAAWS Resource Gives “Voice” to Young Women’s Experiences
Ottawa, ON...Despite efforts to promote the importance of active living, participation rates of girls and young women remain low. A new resource from the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) provides direct insight into the experiences of adolescent girls, and recommendations on how to create positive programs and physical activity environments to make a difference in their lives.
In Her Voice: An Exploration of Young Women’s Sport and Physical Activity Experiences shares findings from focus group conversations with adolescent girls, ages 13-17, in five diverse communities across Canada. The resource complements CAAWS’s national On the Move initiative, which has been increasing awareness about the social and systemic barriers to girls’ and young women’s participation in sport and physical activity since 1994. The In Her Voice project ensures that CAAWS’s messages reflect the realities of young women today. The information gathered offers program providers and decision-makers in the sport and active living, health, education, and social service sectors a better understanding of how to create positive, inclusive physical activity and sport programs for girls and young women.
Nicole Smith, the Chair of CAAWS’s Board of Directors, commented on the continued need for programs targeting inactive girls and young women. “The On the Move Success Factors, which support the development of female-only, fun, recreational sport and physical activity programs where inactive girls and young women can try new activities and build their basic sport skills, are as relevant today as they were 15 years ago.” Karin Lofstrom, CAAWS’s Executive Director, believes the In Her Voice resource provides insight into the complex factors that affect young women’s involvement in sport and physical activity. “Through On the Move, CAAWS advocates the importance of participant-driven programs. Unfortunately, not all program deliverers and decision-makers have the time, resources or inclination to follow this recommendation. In Her Voice provides insight into the diverse needs, interests and experiences of young women, supporting the creation of better programs and more responsive health promotion initiatives.”
To download a copy of In Her Voice visit http://www.caaws.ca/pdfs/in_her_voice_e.pdf; a limited number of hardcopies are available for free. For more information about In Her Voice or other CAAWS resources, programs and initiatives visit www.caaws.ca or contact CAAWS at 613.562.5667 or caaws@caaws.ca.
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CAAWS
PROGRAMS 
