“The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit…” ~Olympic Charter

“We are human first, and athletes second.”

WomenCAN International is the global voice for equality and equity in Olympic Canoeing. We are an international group of women and men dedicated to promoting and creating equal, equitable and safe training, development and racing opportunities for women in Olympic Canoeing.

Without equal international race opportunities and access to equitable training/development resources, women and girls find it difficult, if not impossible, to justify the time, financial resources and effort required to train seriously. Even if they do persevere on their own, they remain at a significant performance disadvantage. Additionally, without equitable international race opportunities, local clubs, coaches and parents, state and national organizations, even corporate and private donors, find it difficult to justify supporting the athletes with the coaching, equipment or financial resources they require to train seriously. Our mission has been to change this.

“WomenCan” was envisioned and founded by Sheila Kuyper – Canadian women’s sprint canoe pioneer and National Champion.  In 1998, she led the first major international push for equality in Sprint Canoe, as part of Canada’s 2008 Olympic Bid. The “WomenCan” campaign for Olympic inclusion in Sprint included a powerful slogan “Power and Grace for 2008”.  While Toronto was narrowly beaten out by Bejing for the 2008 Games, the Olympic dream lived on.

Pam Boteler became involved internationally in 2001, and subsequently expanded the mission to include the Olympic discipline of Slalom Canoe, where “Sisters of the Single Blade” were also shut out of the Olympic path.   The focus of WomenCAN International has been to ensure the original vision of “WomenCan” and “Power and Grace” lives on and our shared vision of equality and equity through Olympic Canoe/Kayak is realized.

“WomenCan” was envisioned and founded by Sheila Kuyper – Canadian women’s sprint canoe pioneer and National Champion.  In 1998, she led the first major international push for equality in Sprint Canoe, as part of Canada’s 2008 Olympic Bid. The “WomenCan” campaign for Olympic inclusion in Sprint included a powerful slogan “Power and Grace for 2008”.  While Toronto was narrowly beaten out by Bejing for the 2008 Games, the Olympic dream lived on.

Pam Boteler became involved internationally in 2001, and subsequently expanded the mission to include the Olympic discipline of Slalom Canoe, where “Sisters of the Single Blade” were also shut out of the Olympic path.   The focus of WomenCAN International has been to ensure the original vision of “WomenCan” and “Power and Grace” lives on and our shared vision of equality and equity through Olympic Canoe/Kayak is realized.

What can you do around the world?

  • “Like” “Share” WomenCAN International on Facebook and “Follow” and “Retweet” on Twitter

  • Lobby your National Federation to support, and commit funding toward, training and racing opportunities and development camps for women and girls and ensure equal opportunities and equitable resources for men and women/boys and girls at every level.

  • Lobby your National Federation and the International Canoe Federation to ensure women are included and developed at all levels of the sport – including coaching, administration, leadership, and in the broadcasting booth.

  • Find corporations and/or private donors who are willing to support elite and development level athletes and/or start or support programs – locally, nationally or internationally.

  • Conduct development clinics – for coaches and paddlers.

  • Start and/or nurture canoe programs. Include girls and boys/men and women together, particularly in team boats. It is as simple as taking a group of paddlers, canoes, and paddles to a river or lake and have some canoe fun!

  • If you need assistance, contact WomenCAN International. We are here for you!

#OlympicCharter #WomensCanoe #RoadtoTokyo #Tokyo2020 #TogethertoTokyo #WePaddle #PaddleLikeAGirl #WomeninSport #ICFSprint #ICFSlalom #CanoeSprint #CanoeSlalom

Contact Us

WomenCAN International
Equal Opportunities for Women in Olympic Canoe Racing

Pamela Boteler, President info@womencanintl.com