Empowering girls through netball
Netball is more than just a sport.
It fosters confidence, leadership skills and resilience, particularly among women.
As we celebrate International Day of the Girl, we delve into how netball is empowering girls both on and off the court.
This year’s theme, ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’, emphasises the power of girls’ voices in shaping their futures.
As a leader in the netball community, Netball Australia works to positively impact the social, political, educational and health status of women and girls internationally.
From grassroots initiatives to elite pathways, the organisation is determined to uplift girls and women around the world through our programs, ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve.
Here’s how.
ORIGIN DIAMONDS
A variety of netballers have commented on how netball has supported them throughout their lives and how it can help girls into the future.
Origin Diamonds caption Liz Watson touched on the significance netball has played in her life both as an athlete and an individual.
“Netball has given me many skills to be a strong and confident person in my everyday life, to make really good choices and be confident in my ability,” Watson said.
Watson’s teammate, and Diamonds defender, Sunday Aryang explained the importance of netball in empowering young girls.
“There’s lots of ways netball can empower young girls, a way it empowered me was confidence,” Aryang said.
“It teaches you to feel comfortable to speak up and have those conversations with people. It also helps you build resilience.
“My vision for netball is for it to continue having this platform so young kids can see it is around and it is possible to join the sport. I hope that netball can grow in a way that makes kids want to do it as an elite sport and a career for the future.”
CONFIDENT GIRLS FOUNDATION
Netball Australia’s Charity Partner, the Confident Girls Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of women and girls across the country.
Working with community groups to organise inclusive netball programs around Australia, the programs aim to break down gender bias, remove financial barriers and create leadership opportunities.
Confident Girls Foundation initiatives are designed to uplift girls facing adversity, providing them with the knowledge and resources to thrive and become confident young women.
AUSTRALIAN FIRST NATIONS BLACK SWANS
The foundation is also the principal partner of the inaugural Australian First Nations team, the Black Swans.
The Black Swans is a First Nations-designed program within Netball Australia. The team was created to inspire and connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and women across Australia, and work in collaboration with First Nations people to further empower Australian First Nations communities.
The Black Swans journey resonates with the foundation’s mission to uplift communities and create opportunities for all to thrive. Through the partnership, the Confident Girls Foundation aims to provide a culturally safe space and a pathway to netball excellence for First Nations women and girls.
NETBALL IN THE PACIFIC
Working with the Australian Government, Netball Australia supports international programs that empower girls in the Pacific by removing obstacles that limit their potential.
These programs, such as Team Up, PacificAus Sports and the Official Development Assistance program support Pacific Netball Federations increase girls’ participation in netball, develop leadership roles for women, and support improved health and education outcomes for girls and women.
Fostering leadership, building confidence, and creating opportunities for girls in sport, Netball Australia is not only promoting gender equality but inspiring the next generation of female leaders in the Pacific. These efforts illustrate how sports can serve as a powerful platform for social change.
WOOLWORTHS NETSETGO
Woolworths NetSetGO is Australian netball’s official starter program for all kids aged five to 10.
It’s a place for young stars to learn the basics of netball, gain confidence, get active and make new friends in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.
The program is designed to provide a space for young girls and gives them the opportunity to develop through netball.
