Investing In Game Changing Research To Break The Bias
A new research and insights initiative from the Andrews Labor Government is aiming to close the gender gap in sport.
Launched at the Change Our Game International Women’s Day celebration, Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced up to $1 million will be invested over four years for the Research and Insights Initiative.
In line with the International Women’s Day 2022 theme of ‘Break The Bias’, the Initiative will focus on breaking down barriers and advancing conversations around gender equality in sport in Victoria.
The Initiative will complement the successful Change Our Game Research Grants Program, supporting university-based researchers with up to $25,000 in grant funding to investigate reducing disparities for women in the sports industry.
A significant outcome from the Research Grants Program is the What Girls Want in Sport Uniforms study, which surveyed more than 300 Victorian girls aged between 12 and 18 on what made them feel comfortable and confident to participate in sport.
The research, undertaken by Victoria University, found adolescent girls prefer a choice of uniforms that make them feel ready for sport and not overexposed. As a result, Netball Victoria, Swimming Australia and Gymnastics Australia all subsequently announced greater flexibility in their uniform policies.
The Initiative will also see the continuation of the sponsored PhD program with Monash University focussing on championing women in sport.
This is one of the many ways the Government through the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Change Our Game campaign is working to level the playing field for women and girls in sport, backed by $11.6 million in the Victorian Budget 2021/22.