Sharing your success stories with other sport organisations can be a great way to demonstrate the work that you have been doing to increase engagement of women and girls. These stories can generate interest and excitement around your sport or organisation. They can also get more community members interested in the steps your club has taken, expose your club to more potential female participants or volunteers, and help build strategic partnerships and attract new sponsors.
These stories can include testimonials, videos filmed on a phone, a page on your website or quotes that can be shared on social media. Remember, a picture tells a thousand words!
It is important to recognise and celebrate the people within your sport who have led the way on boosting women’s participation. This can include recognition within your organisation, or entering awards offered by other sport sector organisations or local council. Here’s some ideas:
- Offer awards and recognition within your club or association – this might be as simple as certificates and “thank you” letters from committees and recognising champions through award structures (e.g. annual and/or regular awards).
- Nominate people for awards (Victorian Sport Awards, State Sporting Associations awards, local council).
- Hold celebration events (lunches or morning teas) celebrating female participation.
- Display awards that recognise the achievements of women and girls in and around the clubrooms.
- Swap the order in which events and awards are delivered so that women aren’t always after men.
- Ensure all trophies and prizes are equitable in comparison to men’s competitions.
- Consider participating in state and national awareness-raising events, such as International Women’s Day or White Ribbon Day.
- Promote the achievements of women and girls – for example, put photos and content in your newsletter or website or contact your local newspaper to write a story.