TY - JOUR
T1 - Empowering women in sports biomechanics
T2 - exploring the impact of mentor circles
AU - Kean, Crystal O.
AU - Burton, Sophie
AU - Janssen, Ina
AU - Brackley, Victoria
AU - Atack, Alexandra C.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2024/8
Y1 - 2024/8
N2 - This study evaluated the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) women’s mentor circle programme. Forty-eight ISBS women members completed a survey that provided insight into how the circles operated, perceived benefits, and challenges to participation. Most circles met every 6–8 weeks with meetings lasting 1 to 1.5 h. However, some circles did not commence or stopped meeting before the end of the 2 years. For those who actively participated, the circles provided personal and professional benefits, which included developing a supportive network and confidence, and improved work–life balance habits. Furthermore, the programme was found to be a valuable use of their time and strengthened their sense of ISBS as a supportive community, increasing their likelihood of staying an ISBS member. Time zone conflicts, lack of a group leader, and changes in individual work or personal life commitments influenced the continuation of some circles over the 2 years. Some respondents did not participate in the circle, and the main reason was lack of knowledge of the programme. Overall, the programme was considered a worthy initiative, providing a supportive network to assist in advancing women biomechanists. Future programmes should ensure a clear alignment between member’s expectations and the outcomes of circle participation.
AB - This study evaluated the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) women’s mentor circle programme. Forty-eight ISBS women members completed a survey that provided insight into how the circles operated, perceived benefits, and challenges to participation. Most circles met every 6–8 weeks with meetings lasting 1 to 1.5 h. However, some circles did not commence or stopped meeting before the end of the 2 years. For those who actively participated, the circles provided personal and professional benefits, which included developing a supportive network and confidence, and improved work–life balance habits. Furthermore, the programme was found to be a valuable use of their time and strengthened their sense of ISBS as a supportive community, increasing their likelihood of staying an ISBS member. Time zone conflicts, lack of a group leader, and changes in individual work or personal life commitments influenced the continuation of some circles over the 2 years. Some respondents did not participate in the circle, and the main reason was lack of knowledge of the programme. Overall, the programme was considered a worthy initiative, providing a supportive network to assist in advancing women biomechanists. Future programmes should ensure a clear alignment between member’s expectations and the outcomes of circle participation.
KW - mentoring
KW - Peer mentoring
KW - professional development
KW - women
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85203277727&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/14763141.2024.2388586
DO - 10.1080/14763141.2024.2388586
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85203277727
SN - 1476-3141
SP - 1
EP - 15
JO - Sports Biomechanics
JF - Sports Biomechanics
ER -