- Published:
- Wednesday 7 March 2018
The Andrews Labor Government will help more women gain leadership positions in sport, thanks to a new scholarship program.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Labor Government has announced $220,000 towards the Change Our Game Scholarship Program, providing a new pathway to senior roles for women in sport.
The scholarships are targeted at women already working in sport and recreation organisations, who have fewer opportunities to set up and lead due to the male dominated nature of sport.
This program seeks to break down this barrier and start levelling the playing field for women.
There will be as many as 24 scholarships each year, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, to provide professional development to enhance skills in sport leadership and management.
It comes on top of a range of Labor Government initiates – from establishing Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, to upgrading or building more than 100 new female-friendly facilities across the state.
Our record $14 million Female-Friendly Facilities Fund has already helped more than 200 clubs transform their ageing facilities to get more women and girls involved and active.
To inspire our next generation of stars, the Labor Government has landed some of the biggest events in women’s sport – securing the Women's T20 World Cup final at the MCG on International Women's Day in 2020.
Since coming to office, the Labor Government has also brought the Matildas to town to play New Zealand and China, Australia v New Zealand Rugby Woman’s 7's and supported the Women's Victorian Open to secure sanctioning on the Ladies European Tour.
Nominations for the Change Our Game scholarship program will open in April. For more information visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Equality is a non-negotiable for the Andrews Labor Government – that’s why we’re proud to deliver a new leadership program to help more women and girls reach the top, on or off the park.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
“We’re changing the game for women’s sport in Victoria by boosting the number of women on boards and other leadership positions.”
Quote attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
“We are working with State Sporting Associations to achieve 40 per cent female board members by July 2019, and building a leadership pipeline for women is a vital way to ensure they have skills and experience they need.”