GE3 is a significant gender equity initiative introduced by Whittlesea City Basketball Association to purposefully provide healthy, safe and equitable environments that provide positive outcomes for all.
Gender equity means fairness of treatment of all genders, according to their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different, but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations, and opportunities.
Taking a whole-of-sport-approach the project reaches all impact points across the WCBA from the board, to championship teams, junior domestic club committees and players and our referees’ program.
GE3 will build the knowledge of decision makers on gender equity in sport and demonstrate to club leaders how they can use their influence to create positive impacts in sport for everyone, where gender does not limit their opportunities, potential or access within basketball.
We will look at gendered stereo types and how they impact all genders in sport. Opportunities to promote gender equity will be identified by completing a reflective gender equity audits and create action plans to strategically direct future changes.
A three (3) part workshop series will provide education and support in Health and Wellbeing, Equity in the game and Healthy Masculinities, where we explore the pressures from society about what it means to be a ‘real’ man and how these perceptions impact on the health and wellbeing of men and boys, and how these rigid stereotypes contribute to violence against men, women and oneself.
A network of trained Health and Wellbeing Officers will be created and connected to each other by way of a Health and Wellbeing Network and linked into local support services.
GE3 will work with coaches and leaders to explore how they can use their role within sport to provide safe, equal and healthy environments for young people that are not limited by gendered stereotypes.
Club Involvement
Whittlesea City Basketball Association is seeking five (5) junior domestic clubs to be involved in GE3. A project journey is outlined here.
If you would like your club to be involved, please express interest here
Individual Involvement
We are looking for individuals from across the association, who represent the diversity of the community, to be involved in the reflective gender equity audits. We seek involvement from committee members, junior players and their families, coaches and officials. If you would like to be involved in the gender equity audit process, please express interest here
Resources
Healthy Masculinities and the ‘Man Box’
If you would like to learn more about the way rigid gendered stereotypes impact men’s mental health and contribute to violence against others and ones self, please visits Jesuit Social Services – The Man Box (jss.org.au)
The Adolescent Man Box is the first study that focuses on the attitudes to manhood (endorsement
of stereotypical masculine norms) and the association between these attitudes and the mental health, selfconcept, use of violence, bullying, sexual harassment, risk-taking behaviours and sexist attitudes and
behaviours of adolescent boys aged 11 to 18.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you think that you or someone you know has a mental health issue, there are several ways that you can seek advice, information and referral for general and mental health issues.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or suicidal it is important to know there is help out there. Whether you are in a crisis,
looking for someone to talk to or seeking advice about mental illness there is help available.
There are a range of mental health support services that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These services can provide treatment, information, tools, and
advice on how to deal with a range of mental health issues.
You should also be able to access mental health services through your local GP.
In an emergency call 000
Download a list of Mental Health Services and Resources here
Prevention of Violence Against Women
A team effort : Preventing Violence Against Women through Sport evidence guide.
Our Watch and RMIT University have developed an evidence guide to help sporting organisations play an effective role in preventing violence against women. This guide outlines ten key elements of an effective approach.
Download A team effort : Preventing Violence Against Women through Sport evidence guide. here
Watch the 3 minute video here: Violence against women: Sport can help change the story – Female Narration – YouTube
Guidelines for Preventing Violence Against Women: Taking Action Through Community Sport
The Victorian Government’s Guidelines for Preventing Violence Against Women—Taking Action Through Community Sport acknowledge the enormous capacity local sporting clubs have to influence positive behaviours and attitudes around gender equality, respectful relationships and the prevention of gender-based violence.
They include a range of practical tools, strategies, and advice to support state sporting associations, regional sports assemblies, local councils, women’s health services and community health organisations to develop projects that meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.
There are numerous case studies throughout the Guidelines that tell the story of how community sports can be equal, respectful and safe, and contribute to the prevention of violence against women.
How to Prevent violence against women by challenging gender stereotypes?
Attitude Matters: The National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey (NCAS)
NCAS is a periodic, representative survey of the Australian population that is conducted every four years. The survey benchmarks the community’s understanding and attitudes regarding violence against women and gender inequality and how these change over time. Poor understanding and problematic attitudes regarding violence against women at the population level reflect a culture that allows this violence to perpetuate.
This NCAS evidence informs policy and programs aimed at prevention of violence against women.
Project Partners
City of Whittlesea
www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
DPV Health
