In a groundbreaking collaboration, law and computer science students at Toronto Metropolitan University have joined forces to launch the Girls+Sports Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in school sports opportunities within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Led by Dr. Jennifer Orange, a renowned human rights lawyer, the project seeks to promote fairness and accessibility in school sports through a combination of policy reform and practical solutions. By leveraging data analysis and legal expertise, the initiative aims to shed light on the systemic barriers that prevent girls from participating in organized sports at the same rate as boys.
The project was spurred by alarming findings from the 2024 Rally Report by Canadian Women and Sport, which revealed significant gaps in sports participation. While 90% of children aged 6–12 engage in physical activities, girls are 10% less likely to join organized school sports than boys. This disparity widens further among teenagers, with only 40% of girls aged 13–18 participating in intramural sports compared to 50% of boys.
Dr. Orange underscores the importance of addressing these inequalities, noting that international human rights frameworks, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, mandate schools to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender. “School sports should be a space where every child can thrive,” she says. “Our project is about making that vision a reality.”
To achieve this, the team collected and analyzed TDSB data from 2021 to 2023, focusing on the availability of sports teams for girls, boys, and all-gender groups across different school levels and regions. Computer science students played a pivotal role in transforming this raw data into accessible, easy-to-understand visualizations, creating a user-friendly website that allows the public to explore the disparities in sports offerings.
The collaboration between law and computer science students exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary work. While law students contributed legal and advocacy expertise, computer science students handled data processing and web development. Together, they crafted the website’s content, designed the user experience, and developed graphics to effectively communicate their findings.
As Dr. Orange explains, “When legal researchers and computer scientists come together, they can create innovative solutions that benefit society as a whole. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we combine our strengths.”
The Girls+Sports Project is just the beginning. With funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the initiative plans to expand its reach across Canada. The next phase will involve interviewing teachers and school staff to uncover the root causes of the gender gap and identify actionable solutions.
By making participation disparities visible and equipping stakeholders with data-driven tools, the project aims to empower communities to advocate for more equitable access to school sports. As the website goes live at girlsplussports.ca, the team hopes to inspire a fairer and more inclusive future for all students.
The project’s ongoing work is supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), which has enabled the team to expand its scope and reach. The next phase of the initiative will focus on conducting interviews with teachers and school staff to better understand the root causes of the gender gap in sports participation. These insights will help identify actionable solutions that can be implemented at the school and district levels.
Dr. Orange has also announced plans to expand the project beyond Toronto, with the goal of analyzing data from schools across Canada. This broader approach will allow the team to identify national trends and share best practices for addressing gender disparities in school sports. By scaling the project, the Girls+Sports team aims to create a nationwide movement toward equitable access to sports opportunities.
The Girls+Sports Project website, available at girlsplussports.ca, provides a wealth of information for the public, including interactive charts and graphs that visualize the data collected from the TDSB. Visitors can explore how sports opportunities vary by gender, school level, and region, making it easier for parents, educators, and policymakers to advocate for change.
Dr. Orange and her team hope that the project will not only raise awareness of the issue but also empower stakeholders with the tools and data they need to push for policy reforms. “Our goal is to make the disparities visible and equip people with the information to advocate for fairness,” she says. “By working together, we can create a more inclusive environment for all students.”
The project’s findings are being shared through academic publications and conferences, further amplifying its impact. This approach ensures that the insights gained from the TDSB data can inform broader discussions about gender equality in education and sports across Canada.
Conclusion
The Girls+Sports Project has made significant strides in understanding and addressing the gender gap in sports participation within the Toronto District School Board. With support from SSHRC and a commitment to expanding its reach, the initiative is poised to drive meaningful change across Canada. By leveraging data, engaging stakeholders, and advocating for policy reforms, the project aims to create a more equitable environment for all students. The broader implications of this work extend beyond sports, contributing to a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Girls+Sports Project?
The main goal of the Girls+Sports Project is to identify and address the gender gap in sports participation in schools, with the ultimate aim of creating equitable access to sports opportunities for all students.
How is the project being expanded beyond Toronto?
The project is planning to expand beyond Toronto by analyzing data from schools across Canada. This will help identify national trends and share best practices for addressing gender disparities in school sports.
What resources are available on the Girls+Sports Project website?
The website offers interactive charts and graphs that visualize data collected from the TDSB. These tools allow visitors to explore how sports opportunities vary by gender, school level, and region.
How can I support the Girls+Sports Project?
You can support the project by raising awareness of the issue, advocating for policy reforms, and visiting the Girls+Sports Project website to explore the data and tools available.
How will the project’s findings be shared?
The findings are being shared through academic publications, conferences, and the project’s website. This ensures that the insights gained can inform broader discussions about gender equality in education and sports.
