The Andrews Labor Government is helping researchers at universities across Victoria understand, and ultimately break down, barriers facing women and girls in sport and active recreation.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications for this year's round of the Change Our Game 2020-21 Research Grants Program are now open.
Research grants of up to $25,000 per project are available to Victorian-based universities - and universities may submit multiple applications for different projects. The program supports Victorian researchers to investigate, identify solutions, and play a leading role shaping and supporting inclusive sporting communities.
In 2020, Victoria University received a Change Our Game Research Grant to support a projectwhich highlighted the importance of uniforms in making girls feel comfortable and more likely to participate in sport.
The findings of this research have provided the sport and recreation sector with valuable insights into adolescent girls' views on current sport uniform offerings and what types of uniform options they would prefer.
The program is part of the Labor Government's work to the playing field for women and girls in sport and recreation by driving leadership opportunities for women across all levels, as well as boosting research in Victoria.
The research grants are part of the Government's $7.2 million investment in the Change Our Game initiative. To find out more about the Change Our Game Research Grant Program,visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"It's important we build Victoria's research capacity around women and girls in sport and active recreation, to create better outcomes for everyone."
"We're working with the smartest minds to find new and innovative ways to embed gender equality in sport - on and off the field."
As stated by Professor Clare Hanlon from the Institute of Health and Sport at Victoria University
"The support provided by Change Our Game enabled an important piece of research to help inform community sporting clubs and schools on what adolescent girls need when it comes to uniform options, and how associated barriers can be eliminated to enable girls to feel comfortable and ready to participate in sport."
