Campaign helps women and girls keep fit

IT’S This Girl Can Week and as part of the seven days of awareness women and girls in the region are being encouraged to up the exercise in their routines. 

The local push is being undertaken by Bendigo Community Health Services, Sport Focus, and the City of Greater Bendigo and staff from all three groups have been inviting people to come along to a range of activities, and even try a new sport or way of exercising. 

Sports Focus project coordinator Tamarra Feguson said the campaign was about improving the ways in which women and girls of all backgrounds are active in the community.  

“This Girl Can Week supports women to get back into an exercise they once loved, or to try something completely new,” she said. 

BCHS senior health promotion and engagement officer Siobhan Sullivan said there was something for everyone and, this year, there was a focus on utilising the region’s parks, gardens, and waterways. 

“There’s no judgement if you haven’t exercised in a while, all that matters is that you give something a go,” said Ms Sullivan. 

“No matter your skill level, we encourage you to come along and try some of the activities on offer. 

“We hope the clubs and groups involved will provide inclusive spaces to support women and girls to be active well into the future.” 

The This Girl Can campaign was launched in the UK in 2015 by Sport England, with the intention of helping girls and women become fitter. 

As part of the effort, all women including cis, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people are encouraged to take part in what organisers describe as “supportive and welcoming environments.” 

VicHealth has been running the movement in Victoria since 2018, and last year, the authority claimed 273,000 Victorian women were inspired by the campaign to spend more time per week exercising. 

Events as part of the week conclude on Sunday, and things on offer include activities from running and walking, rowing, strength training, tennis, self-defence, roller skating and gardening.