Gilbert + Tobin continues to lead the way in promoting gender equality in sport, hosting the Football Federation Australia (FFA) breakfast today with a galaxy of the Westfield Matilda stars, Olympian Anna Meares and senior figures from business and Government.
The breakfast was attended by the Westfield Matildas squad, FFA CEO David Gallop, head coach Alen Stajcic as well as FFA and Gilbert + Tobin guests. It is the second in a series of events hosted by Gilbert + Tobin to discuss the issue of achieving equality for women in sport. Last month the firm hosted a boardroom conversation on gender equality in sport with US gender expert Professor Michael Kimmel.
ABC 730’s Leigh Sales led the event with The Matildas panel, made up of Stephanie Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight and Lisa De Vannaand, highlighting the success of the Matildas (including their upcoming sell-out game against Brazil) and how they are transitioning from a “women’s football” team to a mainstream sporting powerhouse.
The second panel discussion featured the NSW Minister for Sport Hon Stuart Ayres MP, FFA Head of Women’s Football Emma Highwood and Telstra HR Director, Alison Hancock.
Six-time Olympic medallist Anna Meares opened the event, captivating the audience with her incredible journey to represent Australia at the Olympics and inspirational comeback after serious injury. She also recognised the Matildas for their achievements and the positive effect this is having on both women’s sport and Australian football.
“The Matilda’s are among our most successful national teams. I look forward to the day that we don’t have to talk about ‘women’s sport’ as separate to just sport but until then, we need to have diversity initiatives in place to achieve equality in the sporting arena,” said Meares.
Gilbert + Tobin Partner, former Matildas vice-captain and FFA Board Director, Moya Dodd, was honoured for her extensive contribution to women’s football. Moya called on the audience, both within and outside of the sporting context, to look at their role in promoting gender equality in their daily lives.
“The greatest injustice in sporting history has been the exclusion of women from the biggest game in the world," said Dodd, referring to historical bans against women playing football, and urging all organisations connected with sport to re-examine the gender split of their resourcing.
"If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem," she added.
"It's up to us all to be on the right side of history.”