The Andrews Labor Government is shining the spotlight on women’s sport by kicking off a new program to boost women’s and girl’s participation and improve gender equality – on and off the field.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy and Minister for Sport John Eren today launched VicHealth’s new $6.7 million Active Women and Girls for Health and Wellbeing program – the agency’s biggest ever investment in female sport.
It will see key sporting associations and elite clubs step up their efforts to promote gender equality in sport. By tackling gender equality, these associations will support women to take on leadership positions, following in the footsteps of their AFLW heroes and inspirational female role models across sport.
AFL Victoria, the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City, Netball Victoria, Cricket Victoria and many more elite sports organisations will share in $3.8 million to promote gender equality in sport and encourage women to be active.
Record numbers of women are currently signing up to play the sports they love at grassroots clubs across Victoria.
To meet this demand, Bowls Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Football Federation Victoria, Netball Victoria, Surfing Victoria, Touch Football Association of Victoria, Ultimate Frisbee Victoria and Victorian Rugby Union will all share in $2.9 million to create new opportunities for women and girls to get involved in grassroots sport.
The Labor Government’s Victorian Budget 2017/18 invested an extra $6.2 million to level the playing field for women. This will deliver even more Change Our Game initiatives to ensure grassroots clubs are welcoming and inclusive places and can increase participation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“The popularity of elite women’s sport has gone through the roof. Our female sporting heroes are inspiring more women and girls than ever to join grassroots clubs.”
“This program will open even more doors for women to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle through sport. This is the key to better health and wellbeing.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Victoria is the leading way when it comes to leveling the playing field for women’s sport and this funding will ensure that momentum continues – encouraging even more women and girls to play the game they love.”
Quotes attributable to VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter
“Increasing gender equality and female participation in sport benefits us all, from the girls who get to continue playing sport all the way to elite levels just like their brothers, to the local clubs whose community is enriched by having more women and girls involved.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020