Women’s participation in bowls has decreased by almost 45% in the past 20 years. Bowls Victoria recognises the critical role of women in bowls, and in 2022 the Board pledged to strategically invest in addressing the decline.
Research Driven Strategy for Women’s Participation
Bowls Victoria is currently working with Deakin University on a research project that addresses women’s participation in bowls.
Project Rationale and Purpose
Women’s participation in bowls is declining at a rapid rate.
BV x Deakin Uni co-developing a Women’s Participation Strategy.
The project will endeavour to understand women’s participation experiences with bowls, and provide evidence to develop the participation strategy.
Project Overview
PHASE 1 | Interviews of Pennant Bowlers
PHASE 2 | Current and former bowling member surveys
PHASE 3 | Social bowler interviews
Key Findings
DIVERSITY
Women are not a homogenous group of participants
Weekend pennant bowls is given primacy (culture, status and resourcing
GENDER & CULTURE
Women do not always feel safe, welcomed or included in bowls clubs
Women feel discriminated against in relation to pennant bowls opportunities
SOCIAL BOWLS
Offers significant value for women and the sport of bowls more generally
Current bowlers have limited understanding of the strategic significance of social bowls
CASE STUDIES
Here are some great examples of initiatives either currently or recently undertaken by clubs or members around Victoria, embracing women in bowls.
CLUB POLICIES & CHECKLISTS
Clubs are encouraged to review the documentation below covering policy, governance and selection best pratice. The Resource and News Library is also a great place start your club’s Women in Bowls journey.
Women’s Country Carnival: September 14-17th Pairs and Fours @ cluBarham More info: https://clubarham.com.au/bowls-event/clubarham-womens-carnival-2026/
Ladies Star Day Triples: September 15th Nangiloc & District Bowls Club Contact Betty: bminter@bigpond.com
Deer Park Ladies Triples: September 16th Deer Park Club
Women’s Classic Fours Tournament: September 25th Bundoora Bowling Club Contact: Jody Nevill: 0411 750 735 | jodyn1967@gmail.com
Mornington Peninsula Women in Bowls Classic: September 27th Karingal Bowls Club Contact Phil Crowder: 0419 444 885
Ladies Gala Bowls Day: October 18th Pakenham Bowls Club Contact Karen: 0439 141 301
Sunbury Spring Ladies Fours: October 18th Club Sunbury Contact: 9744 1211
