why RJL works
Childhood and adolescence are pivotal times to retain girls in organized sport and physical activity.
It is widely known that when girls participate in sport, they reap the physical, social and psychological benefits of healthy, active lifestyles. In addition to these benefits, a background in organized sport can improve a woman's leadership potential and significantly impacts her perception on her ability to lead.
These early perceptions and involvement have a profound influence on life-long participation in physical activity and the workforce. Young girls are more compelled to stay involved if they feel connected, capable and have choice.
At RJL, we provide intrinsic motivation for our participants and nurture the development of practical leadership traits, exposing young girls to early childhood leadership training.
Our positive and empowering programs increase self-confidence, resulting in the ability for children to function openly and equally in the community.
The Facts
There is a direct, undeniable correlation between girls who engage in sport throughout their childhood and adolescence, and those who continue on to pursue and secure leadership positions later on in their careers.
✷ 94% of C-suite women participated in organized sport and 52% played at the university or above level
✷ 74% of female leaders say a background in sport can help accelerate a woman's career and 61% say sports has contributed to their own success
✷ The skills and personal traits learned by participates in organized sport are directly relatable to the skills needed for real life career transition
Based on an Ernst & Young study
Through programs and training, girls and young women can be encouraged to pursue leadership roles in their homes, schools and communities. In a KPMG study, women said that the most important aspects of supporting and preparing women for leadership are:
✷ Leadership training, confidence building, decision making, networking and critical thinking
✷ 76% of women wish that they would have learned more about leadership and had more opportunities to learn how to lead when they were growing up
✷ 86% of women remember being taught to be nice to others growing up, but only 44% remember being taught to be a good leader, and only 34% were taught to share their point of view
KPMG Study
In Canada, female participation in sport has continued to decline, with adolescence being the most pivotal time of retention:
✷ By the age of 14, girls are dropping out of sport at twice the rate of their male peers
✷ Only 8% of girls meet the recommendations of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, yet nearly all parents say their kids are very physically active
✷ Overall female participation rates in organized sport drops 22% in adolescence and today, just 16% of adult Canadian women participate in sports
✷ If a girl doesn't participate in sport by the age of 10, there is only a 10% chance she will be physically active at the age of 25
✷ Role models matter - Mom's participation in sport increases the rate of her child's participation by 22%
From Canadian Women and Sport
