AusLeisure

Germany-based software company Sport Alliance, together with the Women in Fitness Association (WIFA), are asking fitness industry professionals and stakeholders participate in a survey to collect important information about the current status of gender diversity, equity, equality and inclusion in the fitness industry.

Introducing the survey, a media release advises “society is undergoing a major transformation, and the fitness industry is also making its contribution. Sustainability and a healthy lifestyle are more in vogue than ever before.

“While the fitness industry is increasingly positioning itself as a health provider, other socially relevant topics are not so much addressed in the industry. This includes gender diversity and equity.”

Artur Jagiello, Head of Marketing & Communications at Sport Alliance, explained "gender equality and an open approach to the issue is now more than ever a relevant part of our modern civil society. With our survey, we want to shed more light and raise awareness of this issue.”

Jennifer Halsall-de Wit, WIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, added "the study on gender diversity and equity in the fitness industry is intended to remain a living project. We will not close it after the initial distribution round, but will continuously collect data to monitor developments. Every voice counts and we welcome everyone to contribute to this important issue.”

Findings from the survey will then be summarised, with an expected publication date in the second quarter of 2022, and actionable recommendations for the fitness industry developed in order to take proactive steps to progress in these areas and strengthen the image of the global fitness industry.

Participation in the survey is anonymous, free of charge and requires little time with anyone who is employed in the fitness industry invited to participate regardless of age, gender or position.

A 2021 survey from Barbend identified widespread harassment of women across various types of fitness facilities, perpetrated by fellow members, by trainers and staff and by owners of facilities.

Click here to take the survey.

Related Articles

23rd February 2022 - AUSactive welcomes end of mask wearing in Victorian gyms 

15th February 2022 - Review into sexual harassment and systemic discrimination in Australian music industry invites input

11th February 2022 - Diana Williams explains move to Fernwood’s new FusionX studios

24th November 2021 - IOC partnership with world conference on Women and Sport will advance gender equality and inclusivity

19th November 2021 - Virtuagym launches COVID pass integration to help fitness clubs comply with regulations

15th November 2021 - BarBend.com survey reports on the pervasiveness of harassment against women at the gym

1st November 2021 - New gender-neutral changerooms opened at Exmouth Recreation Centre

6th October 2021 - Women in Fitness Association announces inaugural graduates of Academies

13th August 2021 - Powerlifting Australia Chief Executive steps down while commencing legal action against sex harassment accuser

13th August 2021 - Women in Fitness Association expands LEAD Coaching Team

2nd July 2021 - Barrister to head Swimming Australia inquiry into discrimination and harassment claims

25th June 2021 - Global survey finds that more than 50% of women harassed while training at the gym

14th January 2021 - Women in Fitness Association announces Chief Operating Officer appointment

11th May 2020 - Women in Fitness Association appoints further global ambassadors

27th April 2020 - Global Fitness Business Women’s Leaders Virtual Event launched

7th March 2020 - ExerciseNZ to celebrate role of women in fitness on International Women’s Day

19th August 2019 - Melbourne event to support women in fitness

26th February 2018 - Draft Entertainment Industry Code of Practice to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment

17th March 2017 - Fitness First Middle East to open women-only gyms in Saudi Arabia

23rd June 2015 - One in four fitness club members would pay more for single-sex gyms

5th March 2012 - Push for women-only swimming in Canberra

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.