Article published on 4 April 2024
The fund(amentals)
Exciting news has surfaced with the launch of the “Play Our Way” Grant Opportunity, aimed at overcoming the obstacles preventing women and girls from participating in sports and physical activities in recreational spaces.
This initiative offers substantial funding ranging from $50,000 to $1.5 million to help create lasting opportunities for female involvement in sports and physical activities. With an emphasis on safety, equity, accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and enduring impact, the funding is open to local governments, community organisations, not-for-profits, and sporting entities.
The problem
We all know exercise is good for us. Countless studies present the positive benefits of sport and physical activity for our physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Everyone deserves to enjoy these benefits. Unfortunately, women and girls face a number of barriers when it comes to accessing and participating in these physical activities, and female use of public play and sport areas starts to decline as soon as they are old enough to attend without a parent.
Some of the barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in physical activity include: lack of spaces that feel safe, facilities in parks being dominated by boys, area designs that do not take women’s interests into account, body image concerns, limited opportunities for girls in sports, lack of time, cost, and more.
It’s time to change all that.
What do girls and women like?
Most women and girls want to engage in sport and physical activity in spaces that are safe, fun, and foster social connection. Spaces that are designed with their needs and preferences in mind.
Research shows that ‘there is an evident desire for activity through play’. Numerous studies have discovered what most appeals to women and girls in recreational spaces. Swings are one of the most requested features by teenage girls as they can enjoy hanging out with friends whilst having fun. Other features and activities appealing to girls and women include:
- Social seating
- Trampolines
- Social exercise spaces
- Climbing activities
- Shelters
- Music
- Dance stages
- Walking circuits
Dividing up recreational spaces into smaller areas tends to encourage women and girls to use these spaces more. Single large areas are often taken over by a dominant group, such as teenage boys. Subtly breaking up a recreational space into smaller areas prevents one group from “territorialising” the space. This makes it easier for women to socialise, connect, and be active without feeling outnumbered.
How we can help
Proludic has a long history of creating play spaces which cater for all ages, genders and abilities. We can help you provide play & sports areas designed with girls and women in mind.
We understand that there isn’t a universal solution that fits every situation. That’s why we can tailor solutions that align with the unique needs of your local community, specifically designed to engage women and girls.
Proludic’s award-winning ACTI’FUN solution is designed to be inclusive and appeal to girls and women. It combines play and fun-sport activities to trigger interest and motivation to get active.
Our approach involves providing equipment and designs that can help girls and women overcome many of the barriers that stop them from taking part in regular physical activities. Learn more about the innovative features that make ACTI’FUN universally appealing, including the app which acts as a virtual personal coach, here.
Grant applications close on 29 April 2024.* Contact us now for help with your application! Let’s design play and sports areas that women and girls will love.
*Find out more about the program here:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program
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