Balance the Scales in Sport
International Women’s Day 2026 recognises the UN Women Australia theme Balance the Scales.
Balance the Scales is a call for fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity for women and girls. In sport, this goes beyond participation. It means ensuring women and girls are visible, valued and supported at every level of community sport.
Balancing the scales in sport looks like:
- Equal access to facilities, training times and resources
- Fair representation in leadership, coaching and decision-making roles
- Safe, respectful and welcoming environments
- Flexible participation options that reflect different life stages
- Actively removing barriers that prevent women and girls from participating
- Ensuring women’s voices are heard in shaping club culture and policy
Sport plays a powerful role in shaping confidence, belonging and opportunity. When women and girls have equal access to sport, they are able to participate fully, develop their skills and see themselves represented in leadership and community roles.
What Can Clubs Do?
Balancing the scales requires intentional action. Clubs can:
- Review training schedules and facility allocation to ensure equitable access
- Set goals for women’s representation in leadership and coaching roles
- Promote women’s achievements across social media and club communications
- Offer flexible membership or participation options
- Provide mentoring opportunities for women stepping into leadership
- Review policies to ensure they support safety, inclusion and equity
- Ask women and girls directly what would help them feel more supported
Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful cultural shifts.
At GippSport, we are committed to supporting clubs across Gippsland to strengthen inclusive practice, leadership pathways and equitable opportunities for women and girls.
Through initiatives such as Gippy Girls Can, we encourage women across Gippsland to get active in ways that feel welcoming, supportive and right for them.
Balancing the scales is not a one-day initiative. It is ongoing work that requires commitment, reflection and collaboration.
Across Gippsland, women and girls are experiencing the benefits of sport and physical activity in many different ways. From building confidence and friendships to creating welcoming and supportive environments, these local voices highlight why equal opportunity in sport matters.
Below are some of the stories shared by women across our community.
Susie
Traralgon Tennis Association
Susie has been involved in tennis for many years and says sport has played an important role throughout her life.
“Being involved in sport has given me so much throughout my life. It’s given me wonderful memories and friendships that I have kept throughout my whole life. It has made me feel part of something and it’s wonderful for your confidence and self-worth.”
“Our club really tries to welcome women and girls to play tennis whenever they want to. We offer mixed competitions, ladies competitions, social hitting sessions and pickleball opportunities where women can feel comfortable getting involved.”
“It’s very important for women and girls to be treated fairly and have equal opportunity. It helps build confidence and self-worth and ensures women feel welcomed and accepted in our sporting clubs.”
Jackie
Jackie has experienced firsthand how powerful community sport can be in creating connection, confidence and opportunity. Through her involvement in sport, she has built strong relationships and seen the impact supportive club environments can have for women and girls.
“Sport has given me a strong sense of community and purpose. The shared effort, the laughter, the challenges and the achievements along the way have all reinforced how powerful it is when a team works together. It has also given me a safe space to exercise and socialise.”
“Our club is actively working to make sport a place where women and girls feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive by increasing female visibility and leadership across the club, offering flexible participation options, and making sure our facilities, programs, policies and culture reflect the voices of women and girls.”
“Sport shapes confidence, belonging and opportunity, and everyone deserves access to these benefits. When women and girls have equal opportunity, they are able to participate fully, develop their skills, grow their confidence and see themselves represented in roles that may have been traditionally closed to them.”
Fiona
Wonthaggi Basketball Association – All Abilities Basketball
Fiona is involved in the Wonthaggi Basketball Association’s All Abilities Basketball program and has seen how inclusive sport environments can build confidence, leadership and community connection.
“Being involved in sport has given me confidence, resilience, leadership skills, community, belonging and most importantly empowerment.”
“Our club promotes equal representation and leadership and creates a safe and inclusive environment. They support girls from junior level through to seniors and acknowledge women through social media and club events, ensuring women receive equal recognition.”
“It is important for women and girls to be treated fairly because equality builds confidence and self-worth, supports physical and mental health and creates role models for the next generation. It strengthens communities and builds a better culture for everyone involved.”
“Sport has given me a strong sense of community and purpose. The shared effort, the laughter, the challenges and the achievements along the way have all reinforced how powerful it is when a team works together. It has also given me a safe space to exercise and socialise.”
“Our club is actively working to make sport a place where women and girls feel welcomed, supported and able to thrive by increasing female visibility and leadership across the club, offering flexible participation options, and making sure our facilities, programs, policies and culture reflect the voices of women and girls.”
“Sport shapes confidence, belonging and opportunity, and everyone deserves access to these benefits. When women and girls have equal opportunity, they are able to participate fully, develop their skills, grow their confidence and see themselves represented in roles that may have been traditionally closed to them.”
Janine
Janine enjoys staying active through tennis and pickleball and says sport has helped her build confidence, strength and connection within her community.
“Being active has given me more confidence. As I get older, it’s good to get moving and get out in the community. It’s given me more strength and a good reason to get up and play with the women every day.”
“I encourage anyone to come down and try tennis and pickleball. It doesn’t matter what your level is. Just give it a go. It’s very supportive and we have a lot of fun and laughs on the court.”
“It’s important for women to play sport. It builds motivation and confidence and helps you feel part of the community. It gives you people to be around, have fun with and stay active.”
Lisa
Lisa is a Masters swimmer who values the role sport plays in creating routine, connection and wellbeing.
“Exercise is an important part of my morning routine. It helps me feel good and sets me up for a productive day. It gets me outside in nature where I get to see some amazing sunrises and it’s also a great way to socialise with friends.”
“As a Masters athlete, I swim with friends each week in a supportive group environment where we encourage each other. Leading by example and encouraging other women to get involved helps empower us to achieve our goals together.”
“When women have equal opportunities to be active, it strengthens not only our personal wellbeing but also the communities we contribute to every day.”
Lia
Lia enjoys playing netball and values the role sport plays in helping women reconnect with themselves and others. After recently becoming a mum, returning to sport has helped her rebuild confidence, improve fitness and create new friendships.
“Playing netball and being active has given me my confidence back again after having a baby. It gives me time for myself, helps with my fitness and allows me to make new friends.”
“I encourage other women, especially mums, to come out and get back into sport. It helps mentally and emotionally, gives you a break and allows you to socialise with other women.”
“It’s important that women feel confident and supported and have equal opportunity to access sport and activities so they can look after their mental and physical wellbeing.”
Jessie
Jessie enjoys staying active through a mix of everyday movement and social activities, including walking her dog, heading to the gym and attending beginner-friendly dance fitness classes.
“Being active makes me feel stronger, confident and proud of myself. Best of all, it always boosts my mood.”
“I love catching up with friends over a walk and encouraging the efforts of other women, regardless of our different goals and walks of life.”
“When women feel supported, they are more likely to stay active long term, improving their physical health and emotional wellbeing.”
Emma
Emma loves playing netball and values the independence and connection that sport brings to her life.
“Being active gives me independence, a chance to do something for myself, keep fit and meet new people.”
“Sport helps women improve their confidence and support each other.”
“All women deserve equal opportunities, access to support and the opportunity to be themselves.”
Caitlyn
Caitlyn discovered her love for sport through netball, where being active has helped her build friendships while improving her health and fitness.
“Being active has allowed me to participate in fun activities and sports, especially netball. Through netball I’ve met people and made friends with people I otherwise wouldn’t have met while still working on my overall health and fitness.”
“Social netball has helped me encourage other people, not just girls my age but women of all ages, to get involved in social games. Playing sport has helped me socialise with others and encourage other women to give fitness a try.”
“I believe women need access to sports not only to socialise with others, but to create a fun environment where everyone feels welcome while working on their fitness.”
How GippSport Can Support Your Club
Balancing the scales requires practical support as well as intention.
GippSport can assist clubs to:
- Strengthen representation of women in leadership and governance
- Build inclusive club culture
- Develop participation opportunities for women and girls
- Deliver workshops and training on inclusive practice
Creating fair and welcoming sporting environments benefits everyone.
If your club is ready to take the next step toward greater equity and inclusion, the GippSport team is here to help.
