The West Coast Eagles are celebrating the contribution of female staff and players in acknowledgement of today's International Women's Day.
The aim of International Women's Day, which is acknowledged around the world every year on March 8 is designed to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Some of this year's objectives are to:
- celebrate women's achievements
- raise awareness about women's equality
- lobby for accelerated gender parity
- fundraise for female focused charity
The West Coast Eagles have 83 female staff members comprised of 54 permanent staff and 29 support staff as well as 40 listed players in addition to the club's commitment to the female football pathway and its partnership with the WAFLW.
Three current staff members, Anna Durante, Michelle Cowan and Jan Cooper have previously been awarded the AFL Football Woman of the Year.
The Waalitj Foundation currently has 104 female staff which accounts for 79 percent of their overall staff working across a range of initiatives including program delivery, support and management roles and are led by experienced Chief Executive Officer Lisa Cunningham.
"International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate women's achievement and more importantly take tangible action for equality. At the Waalitj Foundation we are proud to employ so many women and in particular First Nations Women," Ms Cunningham says.
"Not just today but every day, our programs creative meaningful outcomes for First Nations Women. Our Deadly Sista Girlz program works specifically with First Nations girls to promote the growth and leadership of our next generation, supporting them to grow into strong, empowered women who will be positive contributors to our society."
This year's theme is "break the bias," which aims to build a world free of discrimination and stereotypes while promoting diversity, gender equality and inclusiveness.
West Coast Eagles director Nicole Moody stresses the importance of this year's theme and the continued push for greater gender equality.
"Thanks to some very brave women in Australia bringing their stories into the spotlight, we are seeing really significant shifts in conversations around inequality, especially in the workplace. While some industries are making strides in eradicating gender bias, it is not the case for all women and as a society we still have a lot of work to do to achieve genuine equity and to #breakthebias."
"Having role models across all sectors of our community who ‘choose brave’ and actively call for change where inequity is embedded is essential if we are to ensure safety, respect and equity for all women."
"Football clubs - formerly largely a male bastion - are important models for our community when it comes to raising awareness of the importance of greater diversity – including that of gender equity."
Nicole Moody, who serves on the club's board alongside Fortescue Metals Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines, runs Hunter Communications, one of Perth's most successful public relations firms and is noticing progression for women in the AFL industry and at the West Coast Eagles.
"Since becoming a board director last year I have seen first-hand the effort by the West Coast Eagles to achieve greater gender equity, not only among the wider staff but the appointment of female executives and directors. Could it be better? – absolutely – but it is also important that the best person is employed for the job as none of us want to be recruited based on meeting a diversity target."
"A shining example of the gender equity needle shifting is the commitment by the AFL and clubs towards the expansion of our AFLW competition. But to me, equally important is the need to develop a plan towards these players becoming full time professional athletes – that is when the potential of this competition will be truly realised and we know we have made a big leap towards gender equity in our sport."
For more information on International Women's Day, visit www.internationalwomensday.com
