News release

From: Federation University Australia

Entrenched sexism and discrimination are discouraging girls and women from participating in male-dominated sports, with some facing sexual harassment or violence.

Conducted by Federation’s Professor Rochelle Eime and Dr Meghan Casey, the study highlights that negative attitudes from coaches and spectators are driving women away from sport at community clubs, including Australian football, cricket, soccer and rugby.

Participants reported behaviours ranging from sexual harassment and sexist remarks to inequitable access to facilities and equipment.

One participant shared her experience of “boys on the sideline making fun of my ‘big bouncing boobs’, coaches making funny comments in changerooms and all of those sorts of things”.

Violent and degrading behaviour from spectators was also reported: “[The men] were drinking on the sideline, yelling out to one of the players saying, ‘Number 10, give us a twirl. Number 10 get up and go faster’.”

Inequality extended beyond behaviour to resources and opportunities, with one female athlete noting that male cricket players “would get priority over the nets”, leaving women with limited training options.

Another reported male players getting new uniforms while female players missed out.

These experiences left women feeling ostracised and reconsidering their participation in team sport.

Federation Exercise and Sport Sciences Professor Eime says these behaviours stem from sport historically being delivered by men and for men.

“We have old, white men in sports clubs, which have historically been a place for them – it's why some find it difficult to accept the presence of, or support women there,” she said.

Player shortages and a lack of club participation opportunities for women and girls were both enablers to, and barriers of, participation the study found.

“There is a lack of female voices at a leadership level, so men continue to be at the top level, often giving priority to the boys. But the study also found some clubs are starting to slowly become more accepting and inclusive,” Sport Management Senior Lecturer Dr Casey said.

The study also revealed that exposure to women in different fields plays a crucial role in men’s perception of girls in male-dominated sports.

“More visibility of women playing sport across all codes can promote further participation for young girls and play a critical role in societal support for everyone having a place in sport,” Professor Eime said.

Despite negative experiences, some women reported positive relationships with boys and men in their clubs, including supportive coaches, mentoring from fellow players and an increased focus within organisations on addressing gendered stereotypes.

“This is not about labelling boys as being bad – it's about boys and men standing up for women and being their allies,” Professor Eime said.

“If we get positive behaviour within sports clubs and people standing up for women, we can have a ripple effect to make positive change.”

The Federation University study, done in collaboration with Victoria University, examined the experiences of women and girls between the ages of 16 and 48 from across Victoria, participating in sports including Australian Rules football, cricket, soccer and rugby.