For many women and girls, getting active can feel like a challenge. Busy schedules, childcare, costs, or even a lack of confidence often stand in the way. These barriers are real, but they’re not impossible to overcome – especially with the right support and a community that celebrates every woman’s journey.
That’s where Gippy Girls Can comes in. Delivered by GippSport, Gippy Girls Can is a social media movement showcasing real Gippsland women getting active in their own way. It’s about celebrating every step, no matter how small, and breaking down barriers for women and girls across our region.
This year, Gippy Girls Can Week (8–14 September) has kicked off across Gippsland, bringing free and low-cost opportunities for women to try something new, reconnect with old favourites, and simply move in ways that feel right for them.
What We’re Hearing from Gippsland Women
Through the ongoing Gippy Girls Can Community Survey, women from across Gippsland have already shared powerful insights about what helps them get moving, and what holds them back. The survey is still open, so more voices can continue to shape the future of Gippy Girls Can.
Here’s what we’re learning so far:
Activity levels:
- Many respondents are active at least once a week, but a group of women told us they’re not active at all -highlighting the importance of beginner-friendly, welcoming programs
Top barriers:
- Lack of time, motivation, confidence, and cost are the biggest hurdles, alongside not knowing what’s available locally.
What helps:
- Women are most likely to join in if activities are free or low cost, held in safe/familiar spaces, promoted by relatable women, and run locally
Why they move:
- Beyond fitness, women told us their biggest motivators are mental health, fun, social connection, me-time, and being outdoors
Common Barriers and How We Can Break Them
Lack of Time
Juggling work, family, and caring responsibilities often pushes exercise to the bottom of the list.
Tip: Start small – 10 minutes of walking or stretching can make a difference. Social activities like group walks combine fitness with connection.
Confidence and Fear of Judgement
Many women worry about not being “good enough” or feeling judged.
Tip: Choose beginner-friendly, women-only sessions, and remember – just showing up is a win.
Cost of Participation
The price of programs, gear, or memberships can be a major hurdle.
Tip: Look for free or low-cost local sessions, outdoor gyms, or community initiatives. Sharing or borrowing equipment can also reduce costs.
Not Knowing What’s Available
Many women simply aren’t aware of the opportunities in their area.
Tip: Follow Gippy Girls Can, local groups, councils, and GippSport to stay updated. Word-of-mouth and relatable women promoting sessions make a big impact.
Representation
If women don’t see people like them in sport, it can feel like it’s “not for me.”
Tip: Seek out women-led activities, celebrate local role models, and remember – you could inspire someone else just by showing up.
The Bigger Picture
That’s why Gippy Girls Can focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and relatable opportunities. From walking groups and dance classes to pickleball and stretch & sip sessions, the campaign is about breaking down barriers so every Gippsland woman can find her space in sport.
What You Can Do
Follow @GippyGirlsCan on Facebook and Instagram for local stories, inspiration, and tips to help you get moving.
Explore Gippy Girls Can Week (8–14 September) with beginner-friendly, women-only, and low-cost sessions happening across Gippsland. There’s something for everyone. Visit gippygirlscan.com.au/opportunities/
Share your voice in the Gippy Girls Can Community Survey and help shape the future of opportunities for Gippsland women and girls. gippsport.com.au/ggcsurvey2025
