A new project will aim to improve gender equity and prevent sexism and violence against women in local male-dominated volunteer organisations.
Macedon Ranges council has secured a $76,900 grant for its Rural Challenge, which will work to create more gender equitable Country Fire Authority brigades, football and netball clubs.
The council will partner with Greater Bendigo council, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, AFL Central Victoria and CFA North-West Region to deliver the project.
Rural Challenge is funded by the Municipal Association of Victoria’s local government violence prevention grants program and was one of 10 projects funded across the state.
Council chief executive Peter Johnston said the project was based on the Challenge Project which was successfully implemented in sporting clubs in several metropolitan areas.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to build on the work we’ve done over the last few years to address violence against women with the emergency management sector and the football/netballs clubs in the shire,” Mr Johnson said. “Our focus on CFA and football/netball clubs reflects the reach and influence of these rural institutions which often perpetuate traditional gender roles, but could instead be leaders in community action for a safer and more equitable society.”
The Rural Challenge project will start with a series of forums later this year and will be seeking participation from groups across the shire. Information: 5422 0333
