Gender Equity Framework and Action Plan

From the trailblazing women who took to the pitch in the early 1900s, to those who defied the 1971 ban, to the founders of the first women’s football associations in the late ’70s–’90s, to hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on home turf — every player, coach, referee, administrator, and leader in Waikato Bay of Plenty has shaped women and girls’ football in our region.

Yet, women and girls participation sits at just 27% for players, coaches, and referees.

That’s why WaiBOP Football has made women and girls’ football a strategic priority.

Our Gender Equity Action Plan is the blueprint for meaningful growth — setting a clear vision, purpose, and aligned direction for clubs across our region.

Gender equity will sit at the heart of our decisions, guiding how we increase participation, boost leadership opportunities, and raise visibility. 

This plan provides a shared framework for WaiBOP Football and our clubs to guide decisions and actions that support the growth of women and girls’ football across our region.

OUR VISION

From the pitch to the boardroom:

• More girls and women playing football.
  
• More women leading the game.
  
• Everyone feeling valued, seen, and loving their football experience.

Women and girls currently make up 27% of players, 31% of coach education participants, and 24% of active referees in the region.

The Gender Equity Plan responds to that imbalance with clear targets, practical actions, and measurable outcomes designed to improve participation, leadership and the overall football experience. 

The framework is built around four pillars:

Showing – ensuring gender equity is embedded in governance, leadership and decision-making.
Telling – increasing the visibility of women and girls through storytelling, history and communications.
Doing – supporting participation, coaching, refereeing and development opportunities.
Being – building a safe, inclusive football culture where everyone feels they belong. 

Key targets include:

40% of players being women and girls by 2030

40% female representation in leadership roles

20% growth in women coaches

25% of referees being women

75% of women and girls feeling their club is committed to gender equity 

The Gender Equity Framework and Action Plan will guide the work of WaiBOP Football and its clubs over 2025-2030 as the region continues to grow women and girls’ football.

What is Equity?

Equity means fairness in how people are treated, supported and given opportunities.

It recognises that people do not all start from the same place. Because of that, different support or resources may be needed so everyone can participate and succeed.

In practice, equity focuses on removing barriers and creating conditions where everyone has a fair chance.

Equity vs Equality ​​​​​​​

Equality means giving everyone the same thing.

Equity means giving people what they need to reach the same opportunity.

The goal is not identical treatment, but fair access, fair opportunities and fair outcomes.

For more information or any questions, please contact Alida alida.s@waibop.co.nz​​​​​​​