Richmond players and siblings Beth and Tom Lynch have combined to front the Tigers' #BreakTheBias campaign as part of this year's global International Women's Day celebrations.
#BreakTheBias is a call to action to end both the deliberate and unconscious gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping that exists in today's society.
The campaign demonstrated through people posing with crossed arms and open hands reflects a willingness for that person to help forge a more inclusive world.
Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the women who make up the Richmond Football Club 💜 #BreakTheBias pic.twitter.com/lj5txyoYna
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) March 8, 2022
Beth, 24, said that bias seeped into both the workplace and community.
"Even at my work, I am a nurse, and a lot of the time just subconsciously, we assume that the male is the doctor," she explained.
"We have work to do, but we are making progress all the time. The AFLW coming in has been great in helping girls to know that it is not only their brother that can make it to the top league, and that should be the same for any job."
Richmond worked with then sex-discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick to establish the Elite Sport Male Champions of Change in 2015, with seven other sporting CEOs from across Australia joining Brendon Gale as members.
Champions of Change- Sport has evolved to include leaders from across every major sports sector in Australia. Since 2015, significant progress has been made in equality initiatives across the industry, including board representation, funded development pathways, access to facilities and promotion and prize money for female athletes.
Peggy O'Neal AO continues to inspire Richmond as a three-time premiership President and long-time Board member, while the Club's AFLW team, now in its third season, has helped increase Richmond and the Tiger Army’s ability to promote and support elite female athletes.
The Club’s Proud to Be W campaign for 2022 showcased the Tigers’ elite, fierce and inspiring women, with the I am W- Hear Me Roar element, speaking to the playing group's determination to inspire future generations.
Richmond will celebrate International Women's Day with an all-staff event that includes an afternoon tea and panel featuring O'Neal and other female staff.
