We are launching our new Gender Equity Action Plan, Power Forward, it is dedicated to elevating the participation and leadership of women and girls in basketball across the state by 2032.
The action plan comes as participation rates in basketball soar, particularly among young people. Recent data from AusPlay, the national sports survey conducted by the Australian Sports Commission places basketball among the most popular team sports for 15 to 24-year-olds and third for children aged 5 to 14. Despite this growth, participation remains male-dominated, prompting Basketball Victoria to take proactive steps to address this inbalance.
The Case for Change
While we have made steps in promoting women’s basketball, statistics from 2023 indicate the need for further action:
- Women and girls comprised only 28% of domestic basketball participants.
- 17% of association presidencies were held by women.
- Girls represented 30% of Ford Aussie Hoops participants.
- Women accounted for 26% of coaching course attendees and only 19% of Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) coaching positions, despite girls’ teams making up 37% of the league.
- No women held coaching positions for male state teams, while men occupied 60% of all state team coaching roles.
- Women and girls made up 23% of Basketball Victoria’s active referee cohort.
Driving Change
“We are determined to make basketball the highest participation sport for women and girls in Victoria,” said Kat Gourley, Basketball Victoria’s Women and Girls Participation Coordinator. “It’s an exciting and challenging goal, but one that we are well-positioned to achieve by offering equal opportunities on and off the court.”
CEO Nick Honey echoed this vision, emphasising the importance of encouraging a balanced basketball community. “Building a strong community of women and girls as players, coaches, officials, and administrators is imperative to the health and success of Victorian basketball. Our targets can be achieved by upholding our values, implementing equitable policies, and developing accessible programs that make basketball a safe, welcoming space for all.”
Key Objectives of the Power Forward Action Plan
The Power Forward Action Plan is set to drive gender equity throughout Victorian basketball through collaborative action with affiliated associations. Key objectives over the next eight years are to:
- Creating equal opportunities for women and girls in all facets of basketball, both on and off the court;
- Establishing basketball as the sport of choice for women and girls with the highest participation in Victoria by 2032; and
- Partnering with associations to review and enhance programs, policies, and procedures that support a brighter future for women and girls in basketball.
Looking Forward to a More Inclusive Future
Released today, the Power Forward action plan signals our commitment to building a truly inclusive sporting environment. “We’re excited about the positive impact this strategy will bring to women and girls in our community,” added Gourley. “By working together, we can build a sport that empowers female players, coaches, referees, and leaders for generations to come.”
Want to learn more about the initiatives and goals that Basketball Victoria’s Gender Equity Action Plan include. The full document is now available for download here.
