how you can support women & girls in sport

Addressing the Gender Gap in Squash Participation

Over the past year, female participation in squash has seen a concerning decline. While the average gender participation ratio across all sports is 2.18 males to every 1 female, squash previously outperformed this with a ratio of 1.9 males to every 1 female pre-pandemic. However, this gap has widened, reaching 2.12 last season and 2.50 this season.

At Squash Ontario, we are committed to reversing this trend. By learning, listening, and educating ourselves on ways to improve female participation, we can create meaningful change—not only within squash but also for girls' involvement in sports as a whole.

Together, we can make a difference.

Education & resources

Empowering Girls in Squash: Virtual Coaches Conference

As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Squash Ontario hosted a Virtual Coaches Webinar Series this past July to address the gender gap in squash participation. This initiative was designed to equip coaches and organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to create inclusive, supportive, and engaging environments for female athletes.

In collaboration with Canadian Women & Sport, the series featured five dynamic sessions focused on retaining girls in sport through science-backed methodologies and actionable strategies. From creating supportive environments to fostering fun and preventing injuries, each session provided valuable insights for improving female athlete retention.

Below, you’ll find links to the session recordings:

Session 1: Consultation
Learn best practices for retention measurement, strategic planning, and actionable takeaways to increase female participation.
[Watch Now – Click here to Access the Recording Link]

Session 2: Building Supportive Environments
Explore how to create safe, inclusive spaces where girls feel valued and inspired to participate.
[Watch Now – Click here to Access the Recording Link]

Session 3: Fostering Fun
Discover strategies to make sport enjoyable and meaningful, ensuring athletes remain engaged and motivated.
[Watch Now – Click here to Access the Recording Link]

Session 4: Injury Prevention
Gain insights on holistic injury prevention approaches tailored to female athletes, including mental and physical wellbeing.
[Watch Now – Click here to Access the Recording Link]

Session 5: Bringing It All Together: Insights from Fast and Female
Learn how to integrate strategies from the conference into a cohesive approach to retain girls in sport.
[Watch Now – Click here to Access the Recording Link]

This webinar series was a powerful step toward creating a more equitable future for squash. Join us in continuing the conversation and implementing these strategies in your programs.

Special thank you to Canadian Women & Sport for their support for this initiative.

Squash Ontario has created a detailed PDF resource which covers the content in each of these sessions - all in one document! Download the resource below.

the 2024 rally report

Understanding girls’ experiences is the first step in transforming the sport and physical activity system in Canada so that all girls can play. Rally Report 2024, developed in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and global insight consultancy IMI Consulting, aims to champion girls’ voices, and support and inspire sport leaders with fresh insights into how they can reimagine sport and create more equitable, inclusive environments.

Click here to read the report.

Resource hub