AFL, NRL, FFA, Netball Australia and Rugby Australia make Our Watch pledge
Disrespect and violence against women and children will not be tolerated is the message from Australia’s top sporting codes, which joined forces to progress gender equality.
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Five of Australia’s top sporting bodies have made the important pledge to use their platforms to stop violence against women.
The AFL, NRL, FFA, Netball Australia and Rugby Australia will work with Our Watch after signing a leadership statement committing to using their collective influence to continue progressing gender equality, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces.
Our Watch is a national leader in the prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia and started the program in 2016 when four of the sporting codes came together at the MCG to sign an agreement.
The FFA joined in 2018.
Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly said while COVID had severely impacted national sporting organisations there was no better time to prioritise women’s sport and the creation of leadership opportunities for women in sport.
“Sports leaders set the tone, which is why it is so important they continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to disrespect and violence against women,” Ms Kinnersly said.
“I applaud the AFL, NRL, Rugby Australia, FFA and Netball Australia for taking this important step.
“Only together will we be able to turn the dial towards achieving gender equality so we can work towards an Australia that is free from violence against women and their children.”
Netball Australia chief executive Marne Fechner said given sport was integral to the Australian way of life it had a tremendous opportunity to use its influence to create positive social change.
“Netball Australia has had a longstanding vision of empowering women and girls to shine, while enriching and connecting communities,” Ms Fletcher said.
“Netball is committed to working alongside Our Watch to ensure that women and girls around Australia know they should expect respect, and that violence against women is not okay in any circumstance.”
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the league remained focused on continuously improving its capacity to create inclusive, healthy, and safe environments for everyone including players, coaches, umpires, officials, volunteers, and fans.
“Everyone is welcome in our game and we will continue to work towards ensuring everyone feels included and safe at all levels of Australian football,” Mr McLachlan said.
“We know the power of sport in driving change and the AFL is proud to partner with Our Watch in promoting attitudes and instilling behaviours that are respectful to and supportive of women.”
Our Watch has launched a new equality and respect in sport website to help sporting organisations continue to promote and embed gender equality.
The website has evidence-based tools and resources specifically designed to meet the needs of national sporting organisations.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, contact 1800RESPECT or in an emergency phone 000.
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