Held on 9 April 2024 at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre, the InnovateHER Forum provided the sport sector and partners with an opportunity to learn, be inspired and to celebrate innovation for women and girls.
Over 160 attendees heard from industry thought leaders, brands, special guests, and practitioners who challenged and inspired ‘outside the box’ thinking when it comes to reimagining sport experiences for women and girls.
The forum included the exploration of the world of Gen Z through demographic research, insights into the world of high-performance coaching from representatives across netball, NRL and AFLW, and case studies of innovative programs that are creating inclusive environments for women and girls to thrive in sport.
From rugby to netball, rifle to paragliding, AFL, tennis and rugby league, examples of how sports (big and small) have been thinking outside the box to find innovative ways to increase women and girls’ participation in their sports with amazing success were presented.
As part of the Forum the Office of Sport published a series of videos featuring the innovative programs being delivered by sports, including cricket, tennis, AFL and water polo. These videos are now housed on the Office of Sport’s Innovation Hub section of its website.
By showcasing successful programs and innovative approaches delivered by State Sporting Organisations, the forum has inspired sports to think differently about their own offerings to improve experiences for women and girls. It also provided an opportunity for sports to network and learn from each other.
The Office of Sport’s Innovation Hub serves as an online resource for sporting organisations seeking the latest insights, research, and practical solutions to increase participation of women and girls in sport, both on and off the field.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive in relation to relevancy and application to their business.
The InnovateHER forum draws people into the room who want the same thing which is everyone included in sport. Learning from others has been fantastic.
Briony Akle, NSW Swifts coach
To have so many powerful women in the one room is incredible. Also to see initiatives that people are creating for women and especially young girls coming through sport will help to bridge the gap.
Piper Duck, Wallaroos Captain