Our “We’re Game” project has officially crossed the finish line—leaving a legacy of safer, more inclusive sporting spaces for women and girls across Merri-bek.
Launching in 2022, “We’re Game” set out to tackle gender inequality and prevent violence against women through the powerful lens of community sport. Led by us, it was delivered in partnership with: Active Merri-bek, Women’s Health in the North, Tennis Victoria, Merri-bek City Council and others local groups. The initiative supported local sports and leisure settings to develop and implement gender equity action plans.
Working with staff, volunteers and community members across four local sports clubs and three public leisure centres, “We’re Game” focused on long-term culture change and building safer, more welcoming environments.
Key achievements include:
- Increased knowledge, confidence and skills among staff and volunteers to address gender inequality and prevent violence
- Strengthened partnerships across health, sport and community sectors
- Completion of 9 gender equity audits and action plans developed in settings
- Creation of 7 new women-only fitness and swimming programs tailored for culturally diverse communities
- 60% of centre staff reported improved confidence engaging with multicultural community members after Cultural Competence Training
- 92% of sports leaders reported improved understanding of structural oppression and 85% felt confident acting after Active Bystander Training
The project was one of 12 initiatives to successfully receive funding through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s ‘Preventing Violence Through Sport’ grants program.
With project funding now complete, we’re exploring ways to embed this work long-term, with strong interest from local leaders at Active Merri-bek and Merri-bek City Council to keep gender equity on the agenda. The final evaluation by RMIT University confirms: “We’re Game” was more than a program—it’s a movement.
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