The Michigan Task Force on Women in Sports marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX this week by releasing its final report on Wednesday.
In it, the Task Force documented inequities for women and girls in Michigan athletics and outlined ways that all sectors could support women and girls in sports and throughout society.
The panel is chaired by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who was joined by numerous task force members, advisors and supporters to share their findings and recommendations at the Detroit PAL’s Corner Ballpark.
The Task Force commissioned research, analyzed results, and determined recommendations over the past three years after it was created by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order 2019-16.
“By bolstering athletics for women and girls, we support their dreams and development, create new and expanded economic opportunities, and make Michigan stronger by recognizing and building leaders who serve in all sectors,” said Benson. “Everyone wins when we overcome systemic inequity and support girls’ and women’s sports, and I encourage all Michigan leaders to embrace the recommendations of the task force to strengthen our great state.”
Among the Task Force’s findings were that increasing opportunities for girls and women in sport has far-reaching benefits in athletics and other sectors. Yet, even 50 years after Title IX became federal law, girls and women continue to receive fewer opportunities in sports.
The Task Force identified numerous ways that various sectors can support women and girls in sports, including the following:
• Modernize and expand upon Federal Title IX laws with increased protections, compliance, and accountability by:
• Creating Governor’s Awards to recognize educational institutions excelling in Title IX compliance and transparency
• Creating a required certification process that provides a proactive lens for both preventing and addressing Title IX concerns and mandating Title IX review committees, spot checks and regular audits
• Working with partners, such as the Michigan High School Athletic Association and other governing bodies, to increase Title IX training for school administrators, coaches and athletes
• Invest in girls’ athletics as a pathway to leadership in sports and other industries by:
• Educating important stakeholders on gender bias and systemic barriers in sport, as well as actionable solutions
• Earmark state funding or use pass through grants for local government recreation centers to support initiatives and actions toward gender equity and girl-specific sport-related programming
• Identifying, connecting to and consulting with search firms that specialize in identifying women leaders and executives for sports organizations
• Provide scholarships supported by leaders and organizations to incentivize and reward women with sports industry aspirations
• Market and finance future opportunities and access for girls and women at all levels of sports by:
• Elevating the promotion and celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, held annually in February, throughout Michigan with coordinated events, activities and messages
• Campaigning for more women to enter the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in all categories
• Highlighting and expand opportunities for girls and young women to learn about careers in sports through local and regional career days, workshops, and other programs.
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