Abstract
Over the last decade, professional sport for women in Australia has experienced significant growth. However, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to all facets of life including sport has slowed momentum towards equity, diversity, and inclusion. This chapter considers the complex and contested growth of sport for women in Australia during this period. It starts with Australia and New Zealand's bid win for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Then two Australian women's sport leagues are presented as illustrative case studies: the Australian Rules Football League for Women (AFLW) and the Super Netball League. A study of grassroots women's sports in 2020 highlights the challenges access and engagement can present for women and girls during this period. In summary, an exploration of the response of Australian women's sport to the COVID-19 pandemic provides opportunities for sports organisations to reassess and recalibrate the ways they could benefit both professional and grassroots sport for all.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Impacts and Implications for the Sports Industry in the Post-COVID-19 Era |
| Editors | Armand Faganel, Igor Rižnar, Arne Baruca |
| Place of Publication | U.S. |
| Publisher | IGI Global |
| Pages | 209-231 |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781799867821 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781799867807 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2020 |