YOU CAN DURING THIS GIRL CAN WEEK

Get out and get active as part of  This girl Can Week Kicking off March 18, a VicHealth initiative encouraging women to embrace physical activity free from the fear of judgment.

Running March 18-24, VicHealth’s inaugural TGCW encourages Victorian women to give physical activity a go or return to exercise after a break and get active in all their red-faced, sweaty glory.

There will be a range of fun, free or low-cost activities hosted by gyms and sports clubs across the state, tailored to women and girls who want to get active but aren’t sure about how to take the first step.

It aims to build on the momentum created by the highly successful campaign which launched in March last year and inspired one in seven Victorian women to get moving in 2018.

The campaign features everyday Victorian women instead of professional athletes or airbrushed Instagram models and is about empowering women to feel comfortable in their bodies and in public spaces – regardless of their ability, how they look or how sweaty they get.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos praised the campaign and said the initiative is all about encouraging women to smash antiquated stereotypes about what they can or can’t do.

“In the gym, on the sporting field and in  our neighbourhoods – it’s long overdue and it’s having a massive impact,” she said.

“Women and girls have great role models to look up to – but you don’t have to be an AFLW star or a marathon runner to make the most of a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Whether it’s in the gym, walking the dog or attempting that team sport you’ve always dreamt of trying, we want as many women as possible to get active and prove that Victorian girls definetly can!”

Vichealth  chief executive officer Jarril Rechter said This Girl Can Week was about empowering everyday women to get active in their local community without feeling judged.

“We want all women – no matter how sweaty they get, how red their face is or how good they are – to feel comfortable
about getting out there and giving physical activity a go. That’s what This Girl Can – Victoria is all about,” Ms Rechter said.

“We’ve heard so many stories from women who’ve got up the courage and made the effort to go to the gym or sports club, but they don’t make it in the door because they worry people will think they’re too fat or too slow or too uncoordinated.

“This Girl Can Week is for all kinds of Victorian women who are all kinds of active. I encourage you to give something
a go – you might discover a new favourite hobby.”

Sports clubs, councils, gyms or community groups interested in hosting a This Girl Can Week activity are encouraged to register as a campaign supporter via the website.

Women wanting to get involved can visit thisgirlcan.com.au to find out more and discover activities and events in their local area.