The study of gender inequity in sport leadership continues to mature toward a critical exploration of mechanisms and processes that uphold and support inequity, predominantly that experienced by women leaders in sport. An array of actions may be employed by organisations to improve gender equity in sport leadership. These include formal mechanisms such as quotas and policy and informal measures such as networking opportunities and greater cultural and educational awareness. An action with very little critical attention are Women-only Leadership Development Programmes (WLDPs).

This presentation combines empirical research and practitioner insight of a WLDP with emerging doctoral critique of the purpose and effectiveness of such programmes. Our intention is to bring together insights to demonstrate how critical relations of power, gender and identity form part of WLDPs as they continue to gain traction across sport.

Firstly, empirical data comprising of daily self-reflection surveys undertaken by an international cohort of women sport leaders who completed a five-day residential WLDP, and subsequent interviews with a sample of them (n=15), explores their experiences and how programme design, delivery and environment foster nuanced engagement with meanings of leadership and identity. Secondly, ongoing longitudinal doctoral research is showcased to identify critical junctures to be pursued in WLDP scholarship, particularly around programme purpose, perceived impact, and challenging the concept of ‘leadership development’. Thirdly, the lead-author reflects upon his long-term engagement with a WLDP. All insights contribute to the critical examination of gendered organisations, scrutiny of the design of WLDPs, and their effectiveness toward achieving gender equity.