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Women in sport
Empowering the next generation of women and girls, on and off the field
Deakin strives to enhance the health, participation and performance of women and girls in sport and exercise, and to positively transform the systems and environments that shape their experiences.
How we’re championing women in sport
From developing nutritional strategies for elite athletes to promoting gender inclusive environments, Deakin's Women in Sport and Exercise Network provides a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. We aim to improve women’s participation in sport and exercise through world-class research and by strengthening relationships with communities, partners and industry.
Research that supports industry
Our researchers are globally recognised for providing government and industry with actionable insights and research that contribute towards positive outcomes for women and girls. Our research encompasses all facets of sport and exercise, from leadership and governance to media representation and marketing.
Partnerships in action
Our commitment to promoting gender equity in sport is underscored by significant investment in sport partnerships, spanning women's netball, football and basketball. From research initiatives to educating the next generation of sport leaders, we have a network of over 150 industry connections.
A decade of driving change in women's sport
For 10 years, Deakin's Women in Sport and Exercise Network has been breaking barriers and championing gender equity in sport. Through bold partnerships, world-leading research and innovation, we've been empowering women and girls on and off the field – and we're just getting started.
Join the #1 sport science school in the world
At Deakin, we're dedicated to championing women in sport with access to state-of-the-art sport facilities and industry partnerships. Choose from one of our leading sport courses, from exercise and sport science to sport development and media, and join the #1 sport science school in the world.
The power of applied sport science
Jacqui’s sport science journey began with a love for netball and a dedication to injury prevention. Now, as a Master of Applied Sport Science student at Deakin, she’s putting her knowledge into practice, using data and performance analytics to prevent injuries and enhance athlete outcomes.
Delivering real impact for women in sport
Deakin's women in sport and exercise scholars were the successful project recipients of three out of four Change Our Game Research Grants funded by the Victorian Government in 2023. These projects help identify real solutions to issues and barriers for women and girls in sport.
Anti-racism in action
Associate Professor Kim Toffoletti and Aish Ravi are leading an anti-racism research project to help inform community sporting clubs on effective anti-racism approaches.
Improving gender diversity
Dr Jordan Bakhsh, Associate Professor Katie Rowe and Professor Pamm Phillips are working to improve the management of gender diversity within community sport clubs.
Bridging the gender divide
Dr Zoe Avner, Associate Professor Helen Brown and Dr Luke John are mobilising male allyship in sport coaching to bridge the gender divide.
Reducing injury risk for women and girls
Discover how Zena Sport and Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research are reducing the risk of injury for the next generation of female athletes.
Creating safer online environments for our athletes
An Australian-first study exploring derogatory, violent, and sexualised online vitriol directed at female and gender diverse professional athletes.
Breaking barriers
In 2024–2025, Deakin’s Women in Sport and Exercise Network drove meaningful change through research, advocacy and partnership. From advancing elite athlete performance to strengthening gender-inclusive environments, the report captures the progress shaping better outcomes for women and girls in sport.
Our research leaders
Our world-class researchers are true innovators and leaders in the sport industry, delivering positive impact for women and girls. They are also lecturers, coaches, parents, participants, board members, supporters and fans.
Dr Zoe Avner seeks to improve sport coaching practices using post-structuralist and feminist research methodologies.
Dr Lyndell Bruce is a sport scientist who offers insights to professional women’s sport, particularly in leading an agenda of applied research in netball.
Associate Professor Helen Brown is a Member of the AIS Female Performance and Health Initiative Research Reference Group, working to improve female athlete specific knowledge and systems of support.
Dr Amelia Carr co-leads a national program to implement cutting edge nutritional strategies for elite Australian runners in collaboration with Victoria Institute of Sport and Athletics Australia.
Dr Dominique Condo co-directs Deakin’s Centre for Sport Research and is the Performance Science and Nutrition Manager for Richmond Football Club.
Professor Pamm Phillips is the Editor in Chief of Sport Management Review, a leading academic journal.
Associate Professor Katie Rowe is using her research to promote women’s participation and leadership in sport working with government and sporting organisations.
Associate Professor Natalie Saunders chairs the National Sport Research Agenda Advisory Group for the Australian Sports Commission, working to make the sport sectors research priorities visible.
Dr Kasey Symons, award winning journalist and co-founder of women sport media collective, Siren Sport, is reshaping the landscape of sport media.
Associate Professor Kim Toffoletti was named in The Australian’s top 250 researchers for her contribution to the field of feminism and women’s studies for three consecutive years.
Want to explore more?
Increasing women's representation in sport science research
Monica Kelly studied sport at Deakin and now works with athletes. She’s seen first-hand the lack of women’s representation in sport science research.
Empowering women's sport professionals
Deakin Associate Professor Natalie Saunders talks about how we can empower the next generation of women sport professionals.
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