VAFA in support of women’s wellbeing

As we head into the annual Mother’s Day weekend, in which we celebrate all the wonderful Mums in our lives, the VAFA community focuses on Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) as an important community partner that delivers valuable service to those women dealing with cancer.

Amongst the celebrations of our Mums and the fundraising for BCNA, it is important for the VAFA community to acknowledge and stand up for the issue of violence against women.

Horrifyingly, 28 women have been killed in the first four months of 2024, most allegedly by men known to them.

The VAFA Board, Management and member clubs stand shoulder to shoulder with every woman in the community, shining a light on the issue of violence against women and advocating for government and society to substantially increase preventative measures.

As the community football league managing the largest senior women’s football competition in Australia, the VAFA support for this issue aligns with our values: Respect, Inclusion, Integrity, Community.

One of the key factors* in the incidence of violence against women is gender inequality that gives rise to toxic cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control. The VAFA remains committed to ensuring that the Coach/Player/Spectator code of conducts and gender equity policies governing our competition are being adhered to by all our Amateur community to address these areas.

VAFA Board member Vicki Durston stated “As a Director at BCNA and a VAFA Board Director, I am proud to stand alongside the VAFA CEO and Board in shining a spotlight on the pressing issues of breast cancer awareness and violence against women. The sobering statistics of 1 in 7 facing breast cancer and 1 in 4* experiencing gendered violence in Australia underscore the urgency for collective action and improvement.

“Through our joint efforts between BCNA and the VAFA this weekend, we are not only raising awareness about breast cancer prevalence and crucial support for information, treatment, and care, but also emphasizing the imperative to end violence against women. This unified endeavour highlights the power of community action, particularly within the VAFA, one of Australia’s largest women’s AFL competitions. Together, we are steadfast in our pursuit of a future where every woman’s well-being, dignity, and safety are prioritised and safeguarded.”

VAFA Vice President Sarah Delbosc added “Not only are we the largest senior female football competition in Australia we are also a football community of women, men, and non-binary players 12,000 strong.

“As we go into the weekend it’s not only our female players, coaches, umpires and volunteers that will see the strength of our community and its commitment to raising the profile of violence against women but also the men, fathers, sons, brothers and partners that take action and show their commitment to championing change.”

* Source: Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety 2016