These girls can, so can you

The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation’s (VicHealth) is encouraging the creation of a safe and welcoming space for women of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to get active during This Girl Can Week, which is on now and runs until Sunday, November 17.

The 2024 theme “Together, We Are Unstoppable” showcases the incredible things that can be achieved when women across Victoria have the support and opportunities to come together and be active.

VicHealth has released research showing the challenges that women from multicultural communities face when it comes to getting active.

The survey of almost 1,000 women across the state found that like many Victorian women, almost one in two (44 per cent) women from multicultural communities feel worried about showing their body while exercising and nearly a third (30 per cent) fear judgement while exercising, with these trends spiking among women with children.

A previous VicHealth survey of 1,500 Victorian women conducted in 2023 shows that more than half of all women were more confident about being active before having children, and about one in three women with children worried about being judged for prioritising exercise (compared to only one in five women without children).

VicHealth’s head of This Girl Can, Rebecca Ahern, said the new statistics demonstrated why the focus of this year’s campaign was on creating opportunities for all women, irrespective of background, age or ability, to get active.

“This Girl Can is all about meeting women where they’re at when it comes to movement – a big part of this is understanding the unique challenges women across all parts of Victoria face when it comes to getting active.

“Our research has shown that all women, but particularly mums, and women from multicultural communities, want a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where they can feel confident to be active, and be themselves.

“The theme ‘Together, We Are Unstoppable’ highlights what women can achieve when we come together and get active.”

From cultural dance and basketball, to stand-up paddleboarding and active playgroups, there are plenty of activities for women to get involved in across the state.

Former AFLW player and This Girl Can ambassador for 2024 Akec Makur Chuot wants to encourage women from all communities to support each other to help break the barriers they face to getting active.

“Growing up, physical activity wasn’t something I often saw in my community, especially for women,” she said.

“I like to encourage women in my, and all communities, to embrace the benefits of movement, explaining that it doesn’t have to be something extreme like going to the gym – it can be as simple as a walk around the neighbourhood with the kids or enjoying cultural dancing.

“Even when it feels like being active isn’t the norm, I push myself to stay active because I want to show my family, especially the women, that we too deserve to feel strong, healthy, and empowered.

“Change starts with us, and by leading through action, I hope to inspire others to take that first step and realise they can do it too.”

Throughout this week, councils, physical activity providers, clubs, gyms, and other facilities across Victoria are hosting different activities that cater to all levels of activity and experience.

To find your nearest This Girl Can Week activity, head to thisgirlcan.com.au/events