Applications are now open for the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) initiative which has provided leadership opportunities for more than 22 years.

ASC Chair Kate Jenkins AO said supporting women in the workforce is critical to enhance the depth and diversity within Australia’s sporting system.

“Each year we receive hundreds of applications for this program, proving just how important these professional development opportunities are for women in sport,” she said.

“This program has supported thousands of women advance their careers since WLIS first launched in 2002.

“However, we recognise this is just one piece of the puzzle in addressing the underrepresentation of women in sports leadership, and making systematic changes to achieve gender equity is a major priority of the ASC.”

Women can apply for individual grants of up to $10,000 to undertake a course of their choice, while 300 women can attend workshops to help them enhance or refresh their leadership skills.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM encouraged women who work or volunteer in sport to put their name forward. 

“Australia’s sporting success relies heavily on developing and retaining the best people, and we have a responsibility to help women in sport advance both on and off the field,” he said.

“This program leads to more women being recognised and valued within their organisation, resulting in a much stronger sport sector.”

Volleyball NSW Acting CEO Rebecca Walter used her 2024 WLIS grant to undertake the Chief Executive Women’s Executive Leaders Program.

“My experience has opened my eyes and refined my focus on what leadership is to me, how I can harness my strengths and how I can prioritise holistic health and wellbeing on my leadership journey,” she said.  

The ASC manages the WLIS program through the support of the Office for Sport.

Applications for the WLIS individual grants and leadership workshops close on 30 September.