Canadian Women in the Sport of Rowing: An Action Research Project that Explores the Role of Canadian Women in the Sport of Rowing within the Organizational Structure of Rowing Canada Aviron

This action research project explored the various roles of women in the sport of rowing within the organizational structure of Rowing Canada Aviron. The purpose of this study was to assess the organization?s current ability and desire to promote the advancement of women in every capacity within the organizational framework, and to identify detailed action items that RCA could incorporate into their long-term strategic plan. The study involved conducting four focus groups with a total of 18 participants and, for comparative analysis, re-implementing a Sport Canada endorsed Gender Snap-Shot survey, first conducted in 1998. Through the identification of three themes-communication, learning, and leadership-the results yielded some realistic and achievable recommendations, strengthening the outlook for the future.

Sue Keenan, BPE,MA is currently the Executive Director of BC SCHOOL SPORTS in British Columbia Canada. She currently lives in a suburb of Vancouver with her family, Jack, Carrie and Spencer. She enjoyed her working relationship with Rowing Canada Avrion in the completion of this project....specifically Shanon Talentino and Alan Roaf.