Richmond has welcomed the announcement by the State Government to support more female representation on the boards of sports organisations and leadership roles.

Richmond Football Club CEO Brendon Gale joined the Minister for Sport John Eren on Wednesday at Punt Road Oval, to unveil the government’s Change Our Game campaign.

The campaign challenges gender stereotypes and encourages more women and girls to reach their full potential.

Richmond President Peggy O’Neal chaired an inquiry for the State Government which made a number of recommendations to help women get the opportunities they deserve in what can be male-dominated environments.

The State Government has invested $1 million to implement and fast track the recommendations.

Richmond is heavily invested in gender equity with Gale an Elite Sports Male Champion of Change, committed to elevating gender equality as an issue of national and international social and economic importance.

The Club is nearing the completion of a three-year longitudinal study it undertook in conjunction with the AFL, and the Australian Sports Commission, to understand what can be done in the elite sporting environment to better advance women into leadership positions.

Richmond has the first female President in AFL/VFL history and Kerry Ryan also sits on the Club's Board.

“Successful organisations are diverse organisations, and increased representation of women on boards and in leadership roles is a positive outcome, for everyone,” Gale said.

“It’s fantastic that the State Government have invested not only into gender equity, but more specifically into the sports industry, which is still a very male dominated field.

“We look forward to supporting their campaign and continuing to make inroads at our Club with our gender equity strategy.”

Minister for Sport John Eren is pleased to launch the project and believes it will open opportunities for women in the sports industry. 

“Outcomes for women start with attitudes towards women. Some of our most inspiring leaders in sport are female, and we want to give the next generation an opportunity to become the next trailblazers,” Minister Eren said.

“We’ll be working with clubs and codes to ensure we no longer lack the most important balance of all.”