In Canada, where women comprise only 38 percent of curlers and 20 percent of national championship coaches, the Women in Curling group is working to boost involvement through targeted programs. Founded in 2020, the initiative emphasizes measured steps to engage women and girls in playing, coaching, and leading. Key efforts include the Girls Rock program and summits tied to the upcoming Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Mississauga.
Curling Canada faces a persistent challenge: women and girls participate in the sport at much lower rates than men and boys, despite equal opportunities and funding for national athletes. Elaine Dagg-Jackson, chair of the Women in Curling Executive Council, highlights that the sport offers roles for everyone, from players to officials and administrators. "Curling is for every woman who is interested in curling, whether they want to coach, whether they want to play, whether they want to be an official, whether they want to be a volunteer or administrator or a board member," she says. "It’s a place for everyone to belong."
Launched in 2020 as the Women in Curling Leaders’ Circle, the national initiative now features a seven-person executive council of female volunteers and administrators, including two from Curling Canada’s senior management. With a small budget, the group is advancing through structured programs like summits, mentorships, and the Scotties Legends initiative. Jennifer Ferris, Curling Canada’s Head of Sport Integrity and Education and a council member, notes the disparity, with women making up about 38 percent of curlers and roughly 20 percent of coaches at national events, based on internal data.
A flagship effort is the Girls Rock program, presented by Scotties and now managed by Curling Canada. This free, half-day learn-to-curl session targets girls aged 9-16 in a supportive setting. Olympic medallist Cori Morris, another executive member, underscores the broader issue: women’s sports participation lags behind men’s, per the 2024 Rally Report from Canadian Women & Sport, with nearly 40 percent of girls missing organized sports benefits and half dropping out by age 16.
Two Girls Rock events are scheduled next week in the Mississauga area, coinciding with the Greater Toronto Area’s first Scotties Tournament of Hearts, introducing about 90 girls to the ice. Clubs nationwide can access funding and resources to host similar sessions. "Girls can come out in a really friendly environment and learn a new sport," Dagg-Jackson explains. "We have lots of coaches helping them out plus we always have an Olympian present... It’s super fun."
At the tournament, the annual Women in Curling summit on opening Saturday will feature speakers like Jennifer Jones, Heather Mair, and Sherry Middaugh, focusing on skills and networking. The program has expanded to local summits with organizational aid, plus free webinars. Meanwhile, the Scotties Legends reception will honor over 50 past Ontario champions, recruited by Lori Eddy and Mary Chilvers, to inspire the next generation and foster community in curling.
