Editorial: 2019 International Women’s Day

George Voyage – VAFA President

In celebrating 2019 International Women’s Day, the VAFA acknowledges the contribution women have made to our Association both on the field in recent years and off the field over our entire 127-year history.

It’s hard to imagine with around 84 women’s teams expected to take the field this year, that our women’s competition is still in its infancy. It’s a credit to our whole VAFA community, and our prevailing culture that we offer an inclusive and non-intimidating environment where all players, volunteers and officials feel welcome and respected and are encouraged regardless of gender, ability and age.

We thank our clubs for supporting equal opportunities at all levels, and encourage them to continue to make such a positive impact for so many individuals.

We accept the transition has not always been easy. We are here to support and offer guidance as our clubs negotiate the challenges of advocating for female-friendly pavilions and the ongoing challenges with oval capacity as we seek to absorb additional female players and teams into our Association.

Together we are creating a wonderful environment both on and off the field, whilst providing a framework for a level playing field for the long term.

The VAFA congratulates all our clubs, players and officials in supporting our quest for gender equality, and in particular ensuring women have a strong voice both on and off the field.

The whole VAFA community join the Board and administrators to celebrate International Women’s Day today 8th March 2019.