In 2021, US popstar Pink offered to pay a fine imposed on the Norwegian Beach Handball team after they chose to wear bike shorts instead of the mandated bikini bottoms at the European championships. Pink argued that the Federation “should be fined for sexism”.

For many, this was their introduction to the idea that sports uniform design may not be as it seems, with the incident triggering a debate around freedom of choice and what is and isn’t proper.

At the grassroots level, participation rates for women and girls continue to rise rapidly and adjusting to the needs of this growing participation base is essential.

The stats paint a compelling case for change:

• 69% of active girls said they would continue playing sports if they could wear their preferred uniform
• 43% of active girls were self-conscious about what they were wearing because of the uniform.
• 25% of inactive girls across eight countries said they would start playing sports if they could wear their preferred uniform.

I’m speaking with Professor Clare Hanlon, a leading researcher who argues that respect is about giving choices and that women and girls must feel confident and comfortable stepping onto the field of play.

Clare is the Chair of the Susan Alberti Women in Sport at Victoria University, spearheading research that has prompted major sports and peak bodies to rethink their uniform policies, helping women and girls to optimise their performance and comfort levels.

Resources:

• Prof. Clare Hanlon | LinkedIn
• Sports Uniforms for Girls | PUMA & Victoria University
• Women in Sport | Victoria University
• P!nk's tweet | X
• Emma Pallant-Browne post | Instagram
• ‘Awesome outcome’: White shorts ditched for AFLW players to ease period stress | The Age

Walking in two worlds is a balancing act. In one world, you’re connected with mob, kinship and community obligations; in another, you’re engaged in broader Australian society and expectations. 

The challenge is real for First Nations people, especially for talented First Nations athletes aiming for a successful career in sport. It's also challenging for well-meaning clubs, from the grassroots to the elite level, who are sensitive to cultural diversity and want to do their best to welcome all their players.

I’m speaking with two Aboriginal women who have contributed significantly to community-led programs and shown the way for their communities as role models and leaders. 

In this episode, we're chatting with Jacara Egan, a proud Muthi Muthi and Gunditjmara woman based in Melbourne, in Naarm. 

Jacara is an Assistant Coach of the Essendon Bombers VFLW team and National Manager of First Nations Wellbeing and Healing at Headspace.

She’s a Change Our Game Ambassador, helping to level the playing field for women and girls in sports. She is an Australian Institute of Sport #ShareAYarn mentor where she meets with Australia’s top athletes to support their understanding of Reconciliation. 

Jacara’s diverse experiences in social work, mental health, education, leadership and sport have given her a unique mix of qualities that can benefit clubs and First Nations players as they navigate mainstream clubs and build their resilience to walk in two worlds. 

Resources:

• Jacara Egan | LinkedIn
• Share A Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
• First Nations Australians | Sport Australia
• Steps towards reconciliation in community sport clubs | Club Respect
• Change Our Game | Victoria Government

“Nothing about us without us”. It’s an essential principle in community sport that is rooted in the idea that increasing the participation of an underrepresented group should not be forced or imposed without significant consultation.

This is definitely the case with programs and initiatives for First Nations people around the country, which are remarkably diverse, with their own culture, language, beliefs, and practices. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to benefit anyone.

So, what are the essential first steps to increase participation and create a welcoming environment for First Nations people? According to Sport Australia, having community-led initiatives and healthy, active role models are critical first steps.

We're speaking with two Aboriginal women who have made significant contributions to community-led programs and who have shown the way for their communities as role models and leaders.

In this episode, we speak with Tahlia Taylor-Kickett, a role model and leader for the NT Yapas football team and mentor for elite athletes with the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) Share-A-Yarn initiative.

Resources:

• NT Yapas documentary | SBS On Demand [16 mins]
• Share A Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
• First Nations Australians | Sport Australia
• Steps towards reconciliation in community sport clubs | Club Respect
• Special thanks to Beki Smith, Adam Cassidy and Elaine Heaney for the introduction to Tahlia