Participation in Sport and Recreation by Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women : Stakeholder Consultation Report

Abstract

The project is designed to inform the development of policies and programs to effectively support the inclusion of CALD women in informal and organised sport and recreation activities in Australia, in both playing and non-playing roles. The project has been conducted in three stages beginning in mid 2006. Firstly, a literature and data review was undertaken to explore available statistical data and Australian and international research pertaining to cultural diversity and sport in Australia. Secondly, the project team conducted consultative interviews with fifteen key stakeholders in sporting, cultural and women’s organisations. Stage Three, the subject of this report, involved twelve focus groups with CALD women conducted in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia in February and March 2007. The focus groups explored CALD women’s patterns of involvement in sport and recreation; their experience of any barriers to participation; and their perspectives on strategies to support their involvement. Demographic information was collected in a questionnaire.