SIA joins movement to #MarchForward for International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day (8 March), Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity in sport and joins the movement to #MarchForward on this day and every other day of the year.
The UN Women (Aus) theme for IWD 2025 is ‘March forward’ with a focus on cementing the changes promised over the past 30 years into action.
SIA is united in its objective to ensure the safety and integrity of sport for women and girls, with a priority on removing barriers to participation and increasing opportunities for success.
Acting CEO Dr Sarah Benson believes that SIA and its partners play a crucial role within the sporting landscape to create real change and equity for women and girls in Australia.
“We know as part of our wider cultural fabric that sport plays a crucial role in creating opportunities for equity and representation for women and girls, of all backgrounds, across the country,” Dr Benson said.
“It was with this in mind that we launched the Empowering Women and Girls in Sport Integrity Program late last year with the goal to strengthen the integrity environment in sport for women and girls by:
- Promoting cultures of safety and integrity;
- Reducing integrity threats and barriers that hinder their participation and success, and;
- Promoting safe, fair and inclusive environments that support their growth and development.
“Within our agency we have a predominately (59%) female workforce, with women making up 82% of our Science and Medicine team and 71% of our Integrity Complaints team.
“I’m proud of the work I see within our agency from all genders alike, advocating for gender equity at all levels of sport.”
The Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP, continues to spearhead the need for female leadership within sport and in September 2024 announced a Federal Government requirement that all national and state/territory sport bodies have equal gender boards by 1 July 2027 to qualify for funding.
The requirement was designed to address the under-representation of women in sport leadership.
SIA Advisory Council Chair and lawyer Sarah Kenny believes the frameworks being put in place by SIA will lay the groundwork for greater gender equity for women in Australian sports.
"Gender equity and the continued participation and success of women in sport is a priority of the Advisory Council's work with SIA,” Ms Kenny said.
“I have seen the evolution of women's sport, globally and here in Australia, and while there have been significant strides, gender equity in sport remains a complex issue.
“But, as Advisory Council Chair, I am proud to support SIA's ongoing work to establish strategic policies, frameworks and advocacy programs such as the Empowering Women and Girls in Sport Integrity Program.
“This unwavering commitment by SIA to bridging the gender equity gap will see the next generation of young women thrive within all positions in sport."
Staff at SIA pledged their commitments to #MarchForward this IWD and have engaged in live streaming events and activities across the week leading up to IWD.
You can see SIA’s engagements and activities via our social media channels or to learn more about our commitment to gender equity in sport you can visit our Empowering Women and Girls in Sport Integrity Program page.
