Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
International Women’s Day is on March 8 and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. Read on to find out how Volleyball BC is working to advance gender equity and to hear from some of the inspiring women involved in our sport…
same game challenge
In May 2021, Volleyball BC was selected as one of a group of organisations across Canada to participate in the Same Game Challenge. Supported by Canadian Women & Sport, we have been working since then to develop a vision for gender equity in our sport and a plan for getting there. To date we have:
- Established a working group with Board, staff, coach, and referee representatives.
- Undertaken data analysis to understand the gender breakdown in our sport.
- Developed a vision for gender equity (see it listed above!)
- Held focus groups with female coaches and referees to understand how we might better support recruitment and retention.
- Surveyed youth players to understand how gender shapes their experience.
Over the next few months we will be pulling all this information together to create a Gender Equity Action Plan. Watch out for more information later this year!
supporting female newcomers
In December 2021, Volleyball BC in partnership with South Vancouver Neighbourhood House was selected by Sport for Life and Canadian Women & Sport as one of the three initial partner organizations that will work and empower self-identifying newcomer women and girls through quality sport opportunities.
In Summer 2021 we ran a pilot program for South Asian and Filipino Youths which was very successful. The feedback received from both coaches and participants was that South Asian Youths would like to have a program for only females. To address their specific needs we are now implementing a program for newcomer Girls and Women with SVNH. We want to empower these newcomer women and girls through mentorship and role models from successful female coaches and referees that can share their experiences and stories. Through this program we hope these women and girls not only learn the basics of volleyball but also learn about other areas such as employment and career opportunities.
MEET SOME OF VOLLEYBALL'S STRONG WOMEN....
DORAMY EHLING, PRESIDENT, VBC
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I was very fortunate to have positive experiences as a manager of our high school volleyball team which led to my love for the sport. I was invited to travel to Ottawa to manage the Junior National Women’s Volleyball team which gave me the experience of a lifetime. I had a few years supporting the Junior and Senior Team before I decided to work full time for Volleyball Canada supporting the Technical Programs. When I moved back to BC I looked for ways to give back to the sport that has given me so much. As part of the VBC Board, it has been an honor to support the VBC vision to grow volleyball in BC.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
It is really important for girls to see that women can lead. When I started in sport there were not many women in leadership positions. There were a few role models that inspired many of us to get involved and bring our diverse perspectives to help sport evolve. A lot of females participate in volleyball and we should aspire to ensure that we have mechanisms for girls and women to gain experience as leaders in the sport – whether that is as players, coaches, officials, or administrators. Our governance structures need to be diverse and inclusive as a reflection of our membership.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
I would start by encouraging them to follow their passion. We need more women leaders in sport. Seek out mentors and supporters, build your network and look for ways to gain experience through work and/or volunteer opportunities. I learned so much from my volunteer experiences. It allowed me to build new skills, spend time with other leaders, gain different perspectives and learn best practices.
RAYEL BAUSENHAUS, VICE-PRESIDENT, VBC
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
My cousin, Kenton Lepp, played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and watching him play got me absolutely hooked on the sport and I knew it was something I wanted to try. He played with unbridled passion, teamwork and strength and I figured if we are family and this is even remotely hereditary, I must be able to do that too!
Why is it important for us to have female identifying leaders in sport?
I think we often want to see what is possible – especially in those moments our confidence might not be there or we might not believe it. When I see others pursuing big goals, breaking glass ceilings or shattering stereotypes, I immediately believe that 1) it’s possible and 2) that I can do that too. I wish I could list all the female identifying mentors I’ve had in this sport but there’s not enough space. Those women made me believe that I can do anything and their example, and their confidence, is shaping the way I coach other young women and the way I strive to raise my daughter.
What piece of advice would you give to women or girls looking to become leaders in sport?
Be authentically and unapologetically you. You have unique gifts and strengths that no one else can bring to the table. Bring all of it – the things you know you’re great at and the things you might not be – because that will help you grow and help you bring change. Bringing it to the table means doing so with confidence, knowing and believing your worth and value every step of the way.
KEEVA KEHLER, BOARD MEMBER, VBC
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
My daughters are passionate about volleyball and I was introduced to the sport through their school and club participation.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
As the mum of two girls, I want them to feel like they can do anything they want in life and if they can see female coaches and leaders in volleyball they will know they can achieve the same success in sport.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Get involved, offer to help in any way, whether it’s volunteering at a tournament or helping out with research, learning to referee -they are many ways besides being a player that you can contribute to sports.
JAMIE HATCH, ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVE, VBC
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
The positive impact that the sport of volleyball has had on my life is immeasurable. Now that I’m no longer competing as an athlete, it’s incredibly important to me to give back to the community that supported my journey and leave the sport better than I found it.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
Having visual representation and diversity across leadership positions in the sport is critical to inspiring the next generation. As the saying goes, “If you can see it, you can be it”.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Focus on the unique strengths and perspective you bring to the conversation and stay true to your values.
ELIZABETH LEE, REFEREE
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I was inspired to get involved in volleyball through my elementary school program. Having never played a team sport before, volleyball was an enticing, fun and collaborative sport that provided me with a tight-knit community.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
It is vital to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball, so that young girls are provided with strong, confident role models to look up to as they progress through the sport. Having the opportunity to be coached or mentored by female-identifying coaches and referees has helped me develop into a more thoughtful and more assertive person both on and off the court.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Find ways to immerse yourself in the sport of volleyball, whether that be through coaching, playing or refereeing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other girls and women who are leaders in volleyball, to gain advice and knowledge. And look for ways to connect with young female-identifying players to provide them with a role model in the sport.
LIZ YOON, REFEREE
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
It was a sport I felt comfortable with & was pretty good at in middle school but didn’t joined a team until high school. I had positive experiences & good people – teammates, older players, coaches & teachers – who supported my journey in the game. It was a lot of fun & so I stuck around. I knew I was too short to play after high school so I decided to pursue officiating to stay in the game. Also, I thought officiating would be a good part time job & a way to meet new people.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
It is important because – to be seen, is to be heard, to be acknowledged, to be appreciated, to have a voice, an opinion, to create pathways for more people like us… The current “system” favours success for a certain type of lifestyle. It’s important to have diversity in leadership roles, especially since volleyball has a large proportion of players who are female. To see that things can be different, even if many things are the same.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
YOU CAN TOTALLY DO IT! (If you want). The journey is not easy but if this is your passion, follow your heart (BELIEVE IN YOURSELF), surround yourself with good people who support you (inside & outside of your sport) and do the work. You will be successful.
JANELLE ROZEMA, COACH
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I loved all sports growing up. Inspired by my older siblings, I played whatever school sport I could. My main sport was basketball until late high school when volleyball pulled up to number one. I started to like volleyball more because of the high strategy and technical focus it has as a sport. I also loved how team dependent of a sport it is.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
Females bring a lot to the table in terms of gifting in leadership and problem solving. I think it is important to have female leaders in volleyball because our input is valuable. I also think it is important for younger females to see female leaders to open their minds to the leadership potential within them and that it is not only possible, but now realistic to set your goals at being a volleyball leader at a high level.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Work as hard as you can, don’t let anyone else outwork you, and your hard work will pay off. But mostly, believe in yourself, when others second guess you or make you prove yourself because of your gender, have that belief in yourself deeply rooted and unshakeable by others reactions. You can’t control them, you can only control you.
Who is your female sport inspiration or role model?
Laurie Eisler, University of Alberta Pandas Head Coach
MADELYN SWANSON-WARNER, COACH
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
My mother inspired me to get into volleyball at a young age since she brought me to all her recreational games. After I aged out of playing club volleyball I started coaching with a former coach. But ultimately the opportunity to teach the younger generation the skills I’ve learned on and off the court inspired me to continue my volleyball journey as a coach.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
Having women who are participating in a higher level of volleyball is setting an example for younger women. Giving encouragement to the younger generation that women belong in sports.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Look at the people around you and ask yourself who can help you get there? Who can you ask for help? What resources are available to you? Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s always someone there who can help.
MARY JOAN VISSCHER, COACH
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I have always loved sports and have been thankful to be part of so many. However, throughout high school, I have been been in competitive figure skating and volleyball. Since becoming an educator, I wanted to give back some of my experiences in competitive sports and share some of the influential coaches that I’ve had particularly volleyball.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
The coaches who have influenced me in sports have been 2 females and 1 male. Both have brought significant value to how I coach today but having that female connection just added to who I am as a person. I feel it is important to have female leaders in volleyball as they are not just skilled in this sport but they have that special connection to girls that they can look up to.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
I think being a champion for women in sports and their community is valuable by investing time in the lives of younger female athletes and being a positive role model. in their journey. It is important for us who already are leaders in this sport to reduce the barriers affecting their participation and optimal performance and also take the time to encourage women to become leaders in their sport as well.
ROSALYNN CAMPBELL, VBC STAFF
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I played a variety of sports throughout my life and they all provided me with an opportunity to learn more about myself and develop my confidence. Volleyball was one of my favourite sports growing up and many of my most memorable experiences throughout my teenage years were spent on the court. I know the value that participation in sport has on our lives as young people and as adults, which is why I am proud to be working in sport.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
Volleyball is unique – while many other sports typically have a higher proportion of males, here in Canada we have a higher ratio of females playing the game. Having female leaders in the sport brings personalized experiences and understanding to the decision-making process, which is important in this predominantly female sport.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Reach out to coaches and leaders that you are inspired by and want to learn from. Networking is a very important skill to develop as a young person and I feel it is often overlooked. Meet with people for coffee, ask them about their journey, and ask them for advice and wisdom. Work to identify people that can serve as quality mentors who will be able to support you as you develop and who are also interested in your success.
KIRUTHIKA RATHANASWAMI, VBC STAFF
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
I started playing volleyball in elementary school and really enjoyed the team aspect of the game. Throughout high school I continued and still remember the game when we won against a private school team from North Vancouver and what that meant to us coming from a small school… I remember my coaches in high school and all the effort and time they took with my team. Though I only continued recreational after high school I have been fortunate to have worked in volleyball in both Alberta and BC for over 8 years.
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
It doesn’t matter what sport it is but having diverse female-identifying leaders in various roles sets an example for younger girls to dream and inspire that one day they can also be them. There needs to be representation that reflects today’s society. Female participation in Volleyball is huge but it is not reflective in the leadership roles. This needs to change and only then will there be more females following in the same path.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
If you want to achieve anything in life, you need to first believe in yourself before anyone else does. You need to genuinely have the desire and passion. If you work hard and stay true to the process and intention you will succeed. Also, it is important to surround yourself with a positive support system. Mentorship is a big part of it…having someone that you can share, learn and talk to is very important. And have the confidence in what you have to offer and that you are as deserving as anyone. Don’t be afraid and take risks!
EMMA GIBBONS, VBC STAFF
What inspired you to get into volleyball?
Coming from the UK, I did not play volleyball growing up but I was involved in other team sports and always enjoyed being active. For the last 18 years I have worked in sport in different roles. I feel passionately about the role that sport can play in bringing people together and in fostering personal and community development. Plus, let’s face it – sport is a lot of fun!
Why is it important for us to have female-identifying leaders in volleyball?
Role models are important no matter what gender they are – having someone who inspires you is such a huge motivator. But I think having female-identifying leaders in sport is essential because it has not traditionally been the norm. Sport is changing – we are learning that our old systems and governance do not serve everyone and that sport has not always been a welcoming place. Bringing in new leaders from diverse backgrounds and genders will bring new perspectives that make sport stronger and more inclusive.
What piece of advice would you give to girls or women who are looking to become leaders in sport?
Learn from others – we have some amazing female leaders in sport and you don’t need to look too far to find them. Most people love being asked to share their experiences and to support others. Find your people – they are out there. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your goals. Finally, have confidence, tenacity, and an open heart to possibilities. Everyone starts somewhere – if not you, who?!