Levelling The Playing Field For Women And Girls

The Andrews Labor Government is working to change attitudes towards gender equality and ending the scourge of family violence through sporting clubs.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins today announced $670,000 for sporting grants at an International Women’s Day breakfast hosted by Cricket Australia.

In 2017 La Trobe University was funded to develop evidence-based guidelines for delivering gender equality and prevention of family violence projects within sports settings.

The research identified the great existing work in sporting clubs, and sought out what can be improved on a local level.

Now the Labor Government is putting that work to action and sporting clubs across the state will be able to apply for grants to fight sexism on and off the field.

By creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for women in sporting clubs, we can encourage equal participation in sport.

Safe and Strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy and the Free From Violence Action Plan recognises the importance of sport and recreation as a vehicle for addressing gender inequalities.

Applications will open in April.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins

“Women and girls should be entitled to the same opportunities as their male counterparts on and off the sporting field. This is why we are investing to make sporting clubs more inclusive for all Victorian.”

 “Sport can change the way communities view women and girls and the way women and girls see themselves, by challenging stereotypes and promoting fairness, respect and wellbeing.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren

“While AFLW has inspired thousands of young girls to put on their boots and play the game they love, we’re making sure our clubs and facilities are both welcoming and inclusive.”