Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation

Active, Healthy Living: Gender Equity Policy

 

Why is the Department of Health Promotion & Protection committed to gender equity?

A commitment to gender equity works to increase the participation of girls and women in sport, recreation and active living.

Facts:

In Nova Scotia:

• 36 per cent of females in the 18-24 age group pursue no physical activity
• 42 per cent are involved in light sport activity
• Only 22 per cent are involved in strenuous sport activity sufficient to derive cardiovascular health benefits
• 66 per cent of women over age 65 are physically inactive (49 per cent of men over 65 are physically inactive) - N.S. Department of Health, 1995 N.S. Health Survey
• 34 per cent of executive committee volunteers on provincial sport and recreation boards are women
• Only 21 per cent of presidents of provincial sport and recreation organizations are women - GE Working Committee, 1996
• 32 per cent of certified coaches are female (compared to 45 per cent in the rest of the country) - Canadian Coaching Association, 1997
   

Our goals:

• Increase the number of women in leadership roles in sport and recreation
• Increase participation and involvement of females in sport and recreation
• Increase awareness in females of the benefits of sport and recreation activities
• Increase recognition of achievements of girls and women
• Increase awareness of gender equity issues within government
   

Our vision on gender equity:

The Department of Health and Wellness will create a provincial environment in which:

• All girls and women are recognized as participants, athletes, players, coaches, officials, managers, decision-makers and leaders in sport, recreation and active living
• Resources and opportunities are equitably distributed and meet the needs of girls and women
• All girls and women have reasonable access to a full range of opportunities in safe and welcoming environments
     

Promoting gender equity helps to:

Encourage participation in group activities

Develop self-esteem

Develop skills

Improve social, emotional and physical health

Enhance mental acuity

Encourage involvement in community

Develop leadership
 

For further information, please contact:

Nova Scotia Health and Wellness
Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation
Summit Place, 5th Floor
1601 Lower Water Street
PO Box 487
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 2R7
Tel: (902) 424-7512
Fax: (902) 424-0520
e-mail: hlfxgnrl.spor.strickcl@gov.ns.ca