A coalition of western suburbs councils have joined forces to help challenge some of the barriers for women and girls in being active and participating in sport.
A region-wide action plan was adopted by the Brimbank council at its July meeting.
The action plan is a regional collaboration between Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham city councils, Women’s Health West and the Victorian Government.
Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou said it is now more important than ever to find ways to bring the community together and champion inclusive ways for women and girls to be active.
“Sport and physical activity are so important to our sense of community, health and wellbeing. Having equal participation in sport in our region is also an important step towards gender equity,“ Cr Papafotiou said.
“This action plan builds on some of the great work that is already being done in the west, and aims to create positive change in our communities in leading by example, while removing local and gendered barriers to women and girls taking part in sport and physical activity.“
Some of these barriers can include a lack of accessible transport, carer responsibilities or lack of childcare, costs involved, feeling safe and comfortable exercising in spaces or outside, and a lack of visual representation of diverse women in sport more broadly.
The plan focuses on several key areas, including supporting free or low-cost options; inclusivity of women and girls of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities; community leadership and education; equitable facilities and spaces where women and girls enjoy being active, and safe and accessible transport options.
“There is no one single solution to encouraging female participation in sport – but by working together as a region in Melbourne’s West, we’re more likely to achieve this goal,“ Cr Papafotiou said.
