By Matthew Sims
A number of Australia’s biggest names in women’s sport came together at Victoria University’s [VU] Footscray Park campus to talk about the barriers which still need to be broken down to allow young women to participate in sport.
VU hosted its annual Careers for Young Women in Sport forum on Thursday, September 8, with more than 200 young women from Year 10, 11 and 12 attending the event.
Sporting advocate and philanthropist Susan Alberti was among the key speakers during the forum.
“A decade ago, the idea of women competing at the highest level of the AFL was just a dream,” she said.
“Today, it is a reality and some of the best administrators of our great game just happen to be women too.
“But there is no point pursuing a career in Australian Rules football administration, or any sporting organisation for that matter without first having the skills and confidence to deliver from day one.”
VU conducted a study into the impact restrictions on sport uniforms had on them and why more uniform options were needed to help them feel more comfortable.
VU Susan Alberti Women in Sport chair Professor Clare Hanlon said the study highlighted the fact that one style did not fit all women.
“From a research, strategic and advocacy perspective, our Women in Sport team continue to work with local through to international partners to assist build capacity of organisations to drive change to advance girls and women as leaders and players in sport,” she said.
Champions of Change Coalition director Rana Hussain was also one of the key speakers during the event.
My aim was to show them that a career in sport is both vast and full of opportunities for both the sporty and simply sports loving amongst us,” she said.
“My path to a career in sport was both non-traditional and unexpected.
“I want girls to know that if they love sport, they can work in it.”
