An exploratory evaluation of a shared learning community of practice approach to improving gender equity in sports and physical activity programming.

BACKGROUND

This study explores the efficacy of a nine-month intervention that engaged twelve sport and physical activity organizations in a single U.S. county in shared learning, reflection, and problem-solving around gender equity. The Gender Equity Shared Learning Action Team (SLAT) was designed to address barriers to girls' participation in structured sport and physical activity programs through a community of practice (CoP) approach. Participating organizations completed a Gender Equity Assessment, created Gender Action Plans (GAPs), and participated in shared learning and group discussion over the course of nine months.

METHODS

An evaluatory mixed-methods framework and collaborative grounded theory approach was used to evaluate this intervention, combining quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention assessments with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

Eight out of twelve organizations successfully completed the intervention. Descriptive pre- and post-assessment results showed observable increases in cohort mean scores for most gender equity practices, with the biggest increases coming in training personnel and access to resources. However, challenges such as staff turnover and lack of organizational capacity hindered full implementation of the GAPs. Interviews highlighted the value of the CoP approach, especially in building community and sharing knowledge but noted difficulties in organizational changes due to resource and staffing limitations.

CONCLUSION

The SLAT demonstrated that a community of practice model can effectively support gender equity in youth sports and physical programming, though there are significant barriers in under-resourced organizations. Future interventions should focus on long-term investments in capacity-building to ensure sustainable organizational change related to gender equity.