Garnduwa behind women empowerment in sport
Making Her Mark, Women In Sport Forum 2021
More than 70 Aboriginal women from communities across the Kimberley met in Broome recently to network and share knowledge to strengthen capacity for women’s sport.
The annual Making Her Mark, Women in Sport Forum was held at Goolarri over the 5th and 6th of May 2021 and encouraged female empowerment and participation in sport, leadership and community engagement; whilst recognising Aboriginal women for their leadership and commitment to volunteer their time to developing sport and recreation in their community.
Women make up 50 per cent of Australia’s Indigenous population, yet we still rarely hear the perspectives of Indigenous women in sport in Australia. Now, there’s a good chance you’ll hear more, with the Making Her Mark movement gaining momentum around the nation.
Making Her Mark was developed out of grassroots conversations with Kimberley Aboriginal women and has been a huge success for Garnduwa. Garnduwa wants to ensure Aboriginal women are heard as the development of women’s sport continues to grow across the Kimberley.
Garnduwa invited Aboriginal sporting champions Olympian Cathy Freeman, Shelley Ware and Imahra Cameron to speak at the second annual forum about resilience and the qualities of leadership.
Cathy, Shelley and Imahra spoke openly and honestly to the women at the forum, sharing intimate stories, and inspirational words, encouraging Kimberley women to be the change they want to see in the world.
Cathy Freeman facilitated a question and answer session, where she was interviewed by Shelley Ware, and female participants had the opportunity to ask questions throughout the day.
The Women In Sport forum has many unique qualities, the most important being a safe and welcoming space for women to have respectful conversions, and yarn about identities, emotions and experiences.
Garnduwa’s Leadership Program Manager Layla Yu said she was pleased to see new faces at the forum, and was very happy to see many women returning for a second time, and remaining engaged in the program.
As part of the event, Garnduwa also organised an evening event at Yawuru, with dinner and live music, giving Kimberley women the opportunity to yarn and form networks outside of the forum.
Forum Coordinator Katherine Dann said the workshops presented by local Aboriginal women were very well received and the feedback she received was excellent.
“We received feedback at the first Women In Sport Forum about the types of workshops our women wanted and we listened. We engaged local speakers and delivered information sessions tailored to women, including a seminar on how to apply for funding for sports activities in communities.”
Katherine also delivered an empowering speech at the forum, encouraging female participants to break out of their comfort zone and push themselves in order to pave the way for a better future for themselves, and their communities.
“There’s a world of opportunity waiting beyond your comfort zone,” she said.
“I spoke about my personal journey and how I was playing football locally, which then progressed to a career in professional football in both Darwin and Perth, and then led to an opportunity on the television show The Amazing Race Australia.”
“The show pushed me out of my comfort zone, and although fear is scary it’s a necessary part of growth. When we limit ourselves because of fear, we miss out on tons of pathways for personal growth.”
Kimberley Aboriginal people have a long and proud heritage in sport, and Garnduwa recognises the power of sport in developing women, community leaders and leadership.
By hosting the annual Women In Sport Forum, Garnduwa has created a pathway for Aboriginal women to participate in sport, develop leadership skills and create positive networks. We believe the empowerment that is experienced as a result of the forum will further encourage Kimberley Aboriginal women to compete equally in sports and know their contribution to sport is well appreciated and equal to their fellow team mates.
The Women In Sport Forum was funded by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Shire of Broome. Garnduwa would also like to acknowledge the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for their on-going support.