This International Women’s Day (IWD), GippSport stands at the forefront of championing gender equality in sports – advocating for equality, respect, and fair play in sports. As we rally together as a community and a club, we recognise our collective power to uphold and champion these core values in every interaction, every decision, beyond the boundaries of our sports fields.
Fair Play extends beyond the basic rules of the game. It encompasses the spirit of competition, the respect we hold for our teammates, opponents, and officials, and the integrity with which we engage in sports. On IWD, we’re reminded of the importance of these values, particularly in how they contribute to creating a level playing field for all, regardless of gender.
Respect is the cornerstone of any inclusive and supportive environment. It’s about recognising the worth and rights of everyone in our club — from the newest member to the most seasoned participant. This International Women’s Day, let us renew our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone is valued, heard, and respected.
Equality in sports means more than just equal opportunities to participate; it’s about ensuring equitable access to resources, fair allocation of playing time, and the representation of women in leadership roles within our organisations. As we celebrate IWD, we must focus on breaking down the systemic barriers that prevent Women & Girls from fully participating in and benefiting from sports.
Are you curious about how a club can integrate these core values? Here are strategies to guide clubs in fostering gender equality:
Strategies for Clubs to Foster Gender Equality
Education and Awareness:
- Club Health Check: The GippSport team will work with you and your committee through a range of questions covering 7 different functional areas within running a club. Once completed the Club Health Check, Our GippSport also develop a tailored improvement plan that supports the Women & Girls. To arrange a time for your club to participate in the Club Health Check, contact us.
- Educational workshops such as GippSport’s Women and Girls Workshop. This workshop is designed to deliver on ways, we can make community sport more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for Women & Girls and the strategies to do this. To arrange a Women and Girls Workshop at your club, contact us.
- Orange Round: Take a stand against gender-based violence by hosting an Orange Round – a powerful initiative that amplifies our commitment to a community free from harm.Orange Round varies for each club, but generally consists of three components: an online information session for club leaders, a 30-minute in-club education session to ensure members understand the club’s participation and finally, game day, during which players, officials, and spectators wear supplied orange armbands to show solidarity.Attend an Orange Round online information session: not sure if your club is ready for an Orange Round? Club leaders can learn more in this 30-minute session on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 PM – register here: http://tinyurl.com/OnlineInfoRego-OR
To learn more about Orange Round, contact GippSport Gender Equity Project Officer Kathleen via kathleen@gippsport.com.au
Inclusive Policies:
Review and revise club policies to ensure they support gender equality, providing equal opportunities for participation, leadership roles, and access to resources.
- GippSport offer Policy Development and resources that can assist the club in becoming more inclusive. This development can be done through our Club Health Checks or for more in-depth work, our fee for service arm GippSport Community Solutions can assist your clubs needs.
Celebration of Achievements:
- Regular acknowledgment and celebration of women’s contributions are vital. This can be achieved by attending Women & Girls games, showcasing their successes on social media, and at club facilities. Hosting events for Women & Girls not only honours their achievements but unites and empowers them.GippSport is ready to support clubs in promoting and celebrating female achievements and can guide clubs in applying for specific Women & Girls’ grants. For a broader range of grants, clubs are encouraged to explore the Grants Page on GippSport website.
By implementing one of these strategies, clubs can create a more welcoming, fair, and supportive environment for all members, honouring the spirit of International Women’s Day every day.
We invite everyone to embrace a culture that not only recognises Women & Girls’ achievements but also proactively seeks to balance gender inequalities in sports. This International Women’s Day, let’s drive this commitment to fairness and respect, making every day a celebration of our shared values in sports. Let’s all make a pledge to maintain these standards, today and every day, because when we support each other, everyone wins!
