February Newsletter: How can we challenge anti-Black racism in sport?

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. And during Black History Month, we’re reflecting on how Canadian Women & Sport can challenge anti-Black racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression at the same time.

If sport leaders only challenge inequity from a gender lens, we miss opportunities to understand the experiences of Black women and girls in sport, who face anti-Black racism as well as sexism.  

Black women and girls in Canada deserve access to safe and welcoming sport opportunities that meet their needs. This will not become a reality unless Canadian sport leaders commit to taking an anti-racist approach to their work and Black women have the power to make decisions.

This February, use this exercise to self-reflect on who holds power within your organization, and revisit this Diversity and Leadership panel co-hosted by She’s 4 Sports and Canadian Women & Sport in August of 2020 to better understand how you can challenge racism in sport.

• Celebrate Black History Month by learning about and sharing the stories of trailblazing Black Canadian athletes.
• In honour of International Women’s Day, let’s challenge inequity and come up with return to sport plans that ensure women and girls get what they need to keep playing!  Share your vision for a gender equitable sport recovery and help us inform our advocacy.
• Second-generation African Canadian girls face unique barriers to sport participation – check out our new infographic for tips on how to engage this growing population of Canadian youth in community sport.
• We’re looking for a Research and Consulting Partner to help us understand the factors and solutions that support inclusion for nonbinary people in sport. Learn more about the project and submit your proposal before March 15.
• Registration is now open for Conversation 2021 – a virtual conference happening in June, hosted by Égale Action in partnership with Canadian Women & Sport. Join leaders in the sport system to exchange ideas on how to keep up momentum towards gender equity.