Program about empowering women

AFTER two years of online delivery, Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s Daughters of the West women’s health program is returning to in person events.

Facilitated by Sports Central and the City of Ballarat, DOTW is run throughout western Victoria for women over 18.

Attendance is free, and project coordinator Sabelle McSparron said if offers many benefits.

“It’s an empowering thing for women. It helps you improve your knowledge around health topics and improving your health and wellbeing journey,” she said.

“We also help find what’s available in Ballarat in terms of health and support resources, and it’s a safe and supportive environment with likeminded women.”

Starting on Wednesday, 13 July, the 10-week program will take place weekly in the form of two concurrent sessions, each capped at 60 people.

The morning session will run from 10am 12pm at Selkirk Stadium while a second session will take place at Sebastopol’s Phoenix P-12 Community College from 7pm to 9pm.

The first hour will feature an educational keynote presentation followed by physical activities like yoga, basketball and Zumba.

The presentations will cover topics like nutrition, gender equity and mental health, and attendees will be split into groups of three depending on their sporting capabilities.

Ms McSparron said their main takeaway from attendees is in the friendships they make through the program.

“Women show up and they might not know anyone, and by the end of it they’ve made some very strong friends,” she said.

“Meeting other likeminded women and really forming that connection is what we often hear they really love about the program.

“They might catch up for coffee or do a walking group together afterwards, so this really does go beyond health and wellbeing.”

To register, visit bit.ly/3R67ksG.