A policy that details how the City will support local women and girls to fully participate in and enjoy community sport has been adopted by Council.
The Fair Access Policy outlines how we plan to improve our ability to identify and eliminate systemic causes of gender inequality across sport, and how we will support sporting clubs to do the same.
The City of Greater Geelong Sport & Recreation Census found that women and girls participate in sport less than men and boys. There were encouraging trends, with 95 per cent of all sports facilities available for all genders and 84 per cent of clubs reporting women and girls’ results and achievements.
According to the Change Our Game State of Play Survey, women are 2.5 times more likely to report feeling unwelcome at their sporting club compared to men and 28 per cent have considered leaving their club due to inequitable treatment.
Some of the concerns raised included women and girls not having access to the best courts or grounds, or being relegated to less convenient competition and training times.
As a result of the new policy, equality will be considered and prioritised in all current and future Council planning, policy, service delivery, facility allocations and practice when it comes to community sports infrastructure. This includes how infrastructure is designed, how resources are allocated and representation in the governance of clubs.
All community members were welcome to give feedback on the Draft Fair Access Policy over March and April and were invited to share demographic data, with more than 85 per cent of respondents identifying as female.
The draft policy gained majority support from those who took the survey or quick poll. Respondents were excited about addressing inequalities, promoting inclusivity, ensuring safety and access to resources, and advocating for fairness and quality in sport participation.
Community members told us that negative behaviours needed to be addressed, such as criticism and anti-social behaviour towards females that were barriers to participation; and that clubs required support in creating welcome, safe and inclusive environments.
Feedback was also sought from sporting clubs, advisory committees, other councils, and the Office for Women in Sport.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The new policy will pave the way to creating a sporting environment that is equitable and supportive for all.
We know that playing sport is beneficial for women and girls in terms of their physical and mental health, confidence levels and community connection, however their participation rates are lower than men and boys.
Our Fair Access Policy includes principles and approaches to address known barriers so that females have fair opportunity and equitable access to their local facilities.
Councillor Sarah Hathway
The Fair Access Policy has been developed in response to the Victorian Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap.
Council appreciates that the community took the time to give feedback on this very important policy.
The Fair Access Policy allows Council to take positive action towards achieving equality in the access and use of community sports and recreation infrastructure.
From July 1, all councils must have a Fair Access Policy in order to receive infrastructure funding.
