Enhancing system alignment & integration through the gender lens is about smoothing pathways between different types of involvement, & engaging different types of organizations in promoting sport & physical activity to women & girls.

The LTD model assumes smooth sailing between stages but fails to provide sufficient on-ramps & off-ramps to support women’s & girls’ participation & address their transitions through relevant stages as their interests & goals, responsibilities & life commitments evolve across the life-span. (Re)engagement can take many forms including as a physical activity participant, athlete, official, coach, instructor, educator, board member, advocate/ champion, volunteer or professional leader. There are many other gateways to becoming engaged, such as through one’s professional or volunteer work — including as members of the media covering sport; professionals in sport medicine, sport science, & health promotion; major games mission staff; academia; business & facility ownership & management; equipment suppliers; etc.

More consideration should also be given to the development of effective off-ramps, conveying an appreciation for one’s prior involvement (in whatever form it was), acceptance & support for current circumstances, & options for being re-engaged in the future (e.g., invitation to reconnect or offer to follow up after a certain period of time, sharing of information regarding other opportunities, active recruitment for other roles, assistance with issues related to one’s transition).

Another key element needed to achieve system alignment & integration for women & girls is enhanced support for diversity.