Back in 2015, when Justin Trudeau got elected for his first term as Prime Minister of Canada, he was asked by a reporter why he had appointed women to 50 per cent of his cabinet. Trudeau answered: “Because it’s 2015,” and instantly drew international media attention with many news outlets pointing out Canada’s gender-equal cabinet would rise to No. 4 in the world in terms of percentage of women in ministerial positions.
A gender balanced cabinet was welcome news, but it also had many wondering why it took so long to happen. Why weren’t there more women in leadership positions before 2015, not only in politics, but also in business, sports and elsewhere? And, how do we make gender balanced leadership less of a curiosity, more the norm?
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) is somewhat unique within U of T, in that it has responsibility for both academic programs and co-curricular activities, including campus recreation, intercollegiate and intramural athletics and community programming. We asked Beth Ali, executive director of athletics and physical education at the University of Toronto and one of few women in that role, and Professor Gretchen Kerr, the first woman to be appointed dean of KPE, for their thoughts.
With over 20 years of experience in administration, coaching, event management and program development, Ali is a recognized leader in Canadian inter-university sport. She was the associate director of athletics and recreation at Ryerson University and the University of Waterloo before being appointed executive director of athletics and physical education at U of T in 2016.
Researchers from our own Faculty have found that a significant gender gap continues to exist in Canadian inter-university sport and leadership positions such as coaching and administration. What are some positive advancements you’ve noticed in this sphere and how do we continue on this path?
Beth Ali: Important advancements are being pursued to address the significant gender gap that exists in Canadian inter-university sport, particularly with respect to the positions of coaches and athletic directors. One of these is the bi-annual report of gender equity statistics in USport that is conducted by KPE researchers, Peter Donnelly and Bruce Kidd. The measurement and dissemination of these data are important for highlighting the gender gap and assessing change. In addition, implementation of mentorship programmes, development of gender equity policies and accountability to these policies, are key to affecting positive developments in achieving gender equity.
Kerr, a leading expert on the treatment of women and youth in sport, will be taking over the helm of the Faculty in her role as dean starting July 1. Already she’s moving the needle forward by co-directing the Gender Equity in Sport Research Hub, a unique network comprised of researchers, members of the sport community, government and NGO bodies, and gender equity experts from outside sport and universities working together to advance gender equity in sport.
How can universities lead the way in advancing gender equity? What role can our Faculty play?
Gretchen Kerr: Universities play important roles in advancing gender equity. By having more women in faculty and leadership positions, students can see that these professional avenues are open to women. Additionally, researchers who study systems of oppression and advancement of gender equity can generate and disseminate knowledge of strategies that positively impact the recruitment, retention, promotion and support of women in various sectors. As representation of women in universities increases, it will be important to ensure that the advancement of women is not limited to White women but also advances women from equity-seeking groups. KPE plays a critical role on this front by teaching and researching about gender equity and its foundations, optimizing representation amongst students, staff and faculty, and providing equitable opportunities for women and women from under-represented groups to participate in joyful physical activity, exercise and sport.