Netball has been a leader in the fight for gender equality for over 100 years. We lead not just by creating safe and inclusive spaces for women to play sport, but by using our voice to advocate for change.
On International Women’s Day we choose to acknowledge and celebrate not only the household names and icons of our sport, but also the tremendous contribution of our volunteers, employees, coaches, umpires and athletes.
As a sport and an industry, netball has a proud history of championing women. We advocate fiercely to drive investment in facility development for women and girls across the state, resulting in major investment from governments.
From facilities like new changerooms designed for women in previously male-dominated spaces, to new lighting and fencing to improve safety at community venues, Netball Victoria works tirelessly in this space to obtain funding to ensure that all netballers from grassroots to the elite are supported to thrive.
Netball has also led the way in advocating for better pay for female elite athletes. Landmark pay deals have seen Suncorp Super Netball athletes become the highest-paid female domestic club athletes in the country, an apt recognition of their dedication, tenacity and world-class skill.
We recognise and place significant commercial value on what our athletes deliver from an entertainment perspective, with ticket pricing for Suncorp Super Netball comparable to men’s elite sport.
We are continually striving to increase the numbers of women in media and administration roles in our game.
Our gender equality advocacy further extends to public art. In line with the Statues for Equality movement, Netball Victoria’s campaign to begin correcting the gender inequity of Victoria’s sporting statues has made significant progress in a short period of time.
In an exciting sign of the shift toward greater recognition of our female sporting icons, Victorian netball legend Sharelle McMahon will be immortalised in bronze outside John Cain Arena in Melbourne, with a second statue to be announced soon.
Netball is proud to be the highest participation sport for women and girls in Australia. We have a legacy of championing women that many other sports don’t – we have a rich history worth celebrating.
Today, we come together to celebrate those who have paved the way before us and those leading the charge towards a brighter, fairer future.
