The Andrews Labor Government has today marked International Women’s Day by investing $550,000 to promote gender equality in grass roots sporting clubs across Victoria.
This investment recognises the important role of sport in addressing gender equality. Elite athletes, program facilitators and State Sporting Organisations will work with local sporting clubs to support and celebrate women and girls’ sport.
Women’s sport has made significant strides in recent months, including the launch of the first ever AFL Women’s Competition and the much anticipated Super Netball League, and these pilot programs add to the groundswell of momentum for pursuing gender equality in sport and through sport.
These programs are part of a suite of reforms and initiatives announced in Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy. It also builds on the Government’s work through the Change our Game campaign and the Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation Inquiry.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson
“Sport is an important vehicle for change. These programs will help drive gender equality and support women and girls on and off the field.”
“It’s time Victoria became the sporting capital of Australia for women as well as men.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Victoria is leading the charge in levelling the playing field for women in sport, and this funding will help local clubs right across the state to do just that.”
“With women and girls joining grassroots clubs at record numbers, we’re doing everything we can to ensure they have the same opportunities as their male counterparts.”
Reviewed 26 June 2020