January 30, 2004 (Ottawa)
Ottawa Citizen
by LISA BURKE

National body promotes gender equity

It’s no secret that women have made some substantial headway in the sports world in the past decade, but many don’t know who deserves much of the credit. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport has been working since 1981 to achieve gender equity in the sport community and has been instrumental in recognizing women’s needs and successes.

Karin Lofstrom, executive director of CAAWS, is the first to admit there is still much work to be done, but says you can’t overlook the significant improvements that have been made.

“Since 1997, we’ve seen a real increase in women’s sports coverage and the interest from the media,” she said. “We can now easily identify female athletes.”

The growth of soccer and hockey has made it possible for girls to grow up with their own role models.

“Young kids can grow up thinking they can be like Hayley Wickenheiser or Charmaine Hooper,” Lofstrom said. At the same time, she says it can be equally frustrating to think you have made substantial headway, only to be reminded of the work ahead.

When FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the head of soccer’s international governing body, suggested women wear tighter shorts to bring more attention to their sport, Lofstrom couldn’t help but shake her head.

“Every once in a while, when you think you’ve taken a few steps forward you hear something like this,” she said. “We want to talk about athletes first and not as sex symbols.”

One area that needs continued support is the development of female coaches, officials and leaders. CAAWS has developed programs in an effort to recruit more women to the sidelines and encourage others to become officials, but Lofstrom says it’s still difficult for women to take on these roles.

“It’s about the roles and responsibilities between men and women,” she said. “People don’t think twice if a man is out a few nights of the week to coach, but think it’s weird if a mother is away from home to do the same.”

CAAWS offers a development program — Vision for the Future — to help develop the leadership skills of those interested in becoming more involved in sports.

“Women need a training ground to move up the ladder, whether they want to be a coach, an official or a leader,” Lofstrom said. One of CAAWS’ biggest initiatives is On the Move, a national program designed to increase the participation of non-active girls and women. With reports clearly indicating women are still not active enough to benefit their health, CAAWS is determined to offer programs to help make sport a natural part of their lives.

“People need to realize it’s just about staying active,” Lofstrom said. “It can be as simple as going for a walk with a neighbour.”

CAAWS has also been a leader in recognizing and celebrating the women who have made a difference in the lives of others. This past month, CAAWS named its 20 most influential women in sport and physical activity. The list included doctors, athletes, executives and community leaders. While there’s no denying the importance of women crossing the finish line first, it’s those who go out of their way to make the future better for girls and women who are the true winners. People like those involved with CAAWS.

reprinted with permission