Western Sydney University hosts international women in sport symposium
The latest research on women in sport, including topics such as social media and female athlete welfare; the lived experiences of migrant women football players in Australia; and creatively exploring change-making in sport, will be explored at an upcoming symposium.
Hosted by Western Sydney University’s School of Business, the International Women in Sport Symposium will be held in the week leading up to the final match of the FIFA Women's World Cup at the University’s Parramatta City campus.
The event, running 17-18 August, will bring together a diverse range of leading experts from across Australia and internationally to discuss the latest research in advancing gender equality and promoting the participation of women in sport.
Convener Dr Jessica Richards a Senior Lecturer in Sports Management specialising in fan engagement, fan zones, and women's sport from the University’s School of Business, said the event would provide a forum to hear from international scholars visiting the city during the Women’s World Cup.
“For Australia, hosting a major international tournament like the Women's World Cup will significantly boost women's participation in sports and be a catalyst for discussion about the opportunities and challenges around advancing gender equality and women’s participation in sport,” said Dr Richards.
“The symposium will provide a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, and practitioners from various countries and disciplines. Overall, the event plans to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and the inclusion of women in the sport industry."
The International Women in Sport Symposium will be opened by Professor Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research, Enterprise and International at Western Sydney University.
Professor Jean Williams, an expert commentator for the Women's World Cup in Australia, will present the keynote titled ‘A Game For Rough Girls Twenty Years On: how the landscape of women's sport in academia has changed’.
In addition, a range of experts will also share the outcomes of their latest research. These speakers include:
- Professor Alex Parker, Executive Director for the Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, presenting on improving the safety and wellbeing of women in sport.
- Associate Professor Camilla Brockett, Victoria University, presenting on engaging women from CALD backgrounds in community-based health programs.
- Associate Professor Natalie Smith, East Tennessee State University, presenting on the management of women’s football and engagement for relevant stakeholders.
- Alyssa Longmuir, Manager of Hockey Analytics, La Force de Montréal , presenting on the growth of women's sports analytics and statistics.
- Associate Professor Chelsea Litchfield, Charles Sturt University, presenting on social media and female athlete welfare.
- Dr Ryan Storr, Director of The Diversity Storr , presenting on developing elite trans sport policy and gender inclusive sport.
- Kirby Fenwick, Co-founder of Siren Sport , presenting on women in sports journalism in Australia.
Professor Amir Mahmood, Dean of the School of Business at Western Sydney University, said the symposium was a unique opportunity to collaborate with international experts and highlight the University’s world-class research into gender equality.
“The School of Business is pleased to host the International Women in Sport Symposium coinciding with one of the most nationally significant sporting events and provide a forum for meaningful discussions about women’s empowerment in sport in the heart of Parramatta,” said Professor Mahmood.
The International Women in Sport Symposium is supported by the City of Parramatta and the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club. Sponsorship from these organisations, coupled with their shared vision of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in sports, has supported renowned experts, athletes, and stakeholders from around the world to engage coming together in meaningful discussions, share insights, and inspire change.
To register or to view the program and abstracts, please visit the web page (opens in a new window).
ENDS
21 July 2023
Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer
WHAT: International Women in Sport Symposium
WHEN: 17-18 August 2023
WHERE: Western Sydney University’s Parramatta City campus
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