Grants are now open for DPV Health and Whittlesea council’s Female Inclusion in Sport program.
The program, now in its second year, aims to support clubs in providing an accessible and safe environment for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
DPV gender equity and prevention of family violence senior co-ordinator Lucy Forwood said the program seeks to break down barriers for participation and create a positive impact on women and girls participating in community sport.
“The sporting field is often regarded as a space where differences are put aside in the pursuit of fair play and having a go,” she said.
“But when it comes to fairness, statistics show that women and girls, gender diverse people, and those from diverse communities are underrepresented in sport, both as players and leaders.
“In fact, only half of Victorian women are sufficiently active.”
Ms Forwood said there were a number of barriers women and girls face when participating in sport.
“A significant barrier and highly prevalent barrier for women and girls is fear of judgement,” she said.
“This can include concerns about appearance, body image, being self-conscious about perceived lack of skills and fitness, and perceived peer judgement.”
The Mernda United Cricket Club (MUCC) received the grant last year which enabled it to start a women’s winter cricket team.
After learning of the grant and development of the team, Jemma Cox signed up.
Ms Cox said having the opportunity to play in a women’s team made all the different to her.
“Growing up, I watched a lot of men playing cricket,” she said.
“I begun playing when I was 11 and I played for a few years in the boys competition because it was the only one available.
“In the end I had to give that up because the boys were too strong and that was quite a daunting experience for a little girl.”
