Fifteen ACT sporting bodies have reached 40 per cent female board representation in line with a target set by the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Grants Program.
Minister for Sport, Yvette Berry said the Government was committed to driving gender diversity in sports leadership in Canberra to help provide equitable opportunities and access to participation for women and girls.
“In 2016, I set a target that by 2020, next year, all sporting peak bodies funded by the ACT Government through triennial agreements would be required to achieve 40 per cent representation of women on their boards or risk being ineligible for funding,” Ms Berry said.
She said the ACT was making good progress with female board representation, which demonstrated an understanding of the need for change.
“Of the 28 peak sporting bodies triennially funded through the ACT Government’s Sport and Recreation Grants Program, more than half have now reached the target or higher,” she said.
“Diversity in decision-making is fundamental to breaking social barriers and achieving equitable outcomes.”
“Making this change at a board level is a step forward for the sport and recreation sector, providing more leadership opportunities for women and improving decision making to better meet the needs of women in sport,” Ms Berry said.
In a statement, Ms Berry congratulated the 15 sporting bodies: ACT Basketball, ACT Softball Association, AFL NSW/ACT, Capital Football, Gymnastics ACT, Netball ACT, Orienteering ACT, Pedal Power ACT, Rowing ACT, Swimming ACT, Table Tennis ACT, Tennis ACT, Touch Football ACT, Triathlon ACT, Volleyball ACT.
“In recognition of their effort I have offered these sports a one-off bonus grant,” Ms Berry said.
The Minister also announced that the 2020 Sport and Recreation Grants Program was now open for funding applications from sporting organisations and individuals.
More information about the grants program can be accessed via this PS News link.
