Women shaping the future of community sport

Jointly hosted by the Presiding Officers of Parliament in partnership with Football Victoria, the function brought together high-achieving women, members of parliament and their guests.

‘This year we are shining a light on women in community sport,’ Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards said.

‘The volunteers, the players, coaches, the administrators and officials who are transforming local clubs, transforming the lives of young girls and women and strengthening our communities.’

The efforts of women in sports beyond football, such as AFL, rugby, cricket, netball and basketball were also acknowledged.

‘Through all of these sports we have seen women reach the highest apex of sporting success and it is a privilege to watch and to celebrate,’ Ms Edwards said.

‘We know that for too long women have faced many barriers to participation in sport.

‘True equality in sport means equal opportunity, equal respect, equal pay and equal recognition.

‘Breaking down the barriers of exclusion, physical difference, stigma and challenges to participation must continue.’

The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 on Sunday 8 March is ‘Balancing the scales’.

‘It reminds us that while progress has been made, we cannot yet call time on equality. There is still much more to do,’ Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas said.

‘The scales remain uneven in so many areas of life, but community sport is one place where we can actively work to rebalance the scales.

‘Research tells us that girls who participate in sport have better mental health, they have higher self-esteem and they have stronger leadership skills.

‘That is how we begin to balance the scales.’

Shadow Minister for Women Cindy McLeish MP said it was great to see so many women turn out for the special gathering in Queen’s Hall.

‘If you’re in a smaller town, sport is one of the key drivers of community strengthening,’ she said.

‘And it’s really important that we keep young women engaging in sport.’

A panel discussion hosted by football-netball commentator Georgia Rajic involving Football Victoria’s Karen Pearce and Victoria University Associate Professor, Dr Fiona McLachlan looked at the ongoing gaps in women’s participation, but also the opportunities for broader equality.

‘We know the impact community sport has on the lives of every Victorian, especially those in regional communities,’ Ms Rajic said.

‘And it feels only right in the week of International Women’s Day that we gather to reflect and celebrate the roles of women in community sport.’