The 2024 Paris Olympics set a historic precedent as the first modern Games to achieve full gender equality. This landmark achievement reflects a global push towards fairness and representation in sports. 

Echoing this spirit, female athletes from Monash University also have made their mark at the recently concluded UniSport Nationals in Canberra, showcasing remarkable performances that underscore the growing influence and strength of women in the sports arena.

Balancing the number of male and female athletes might seem straightforward, but it represents the culmination of a long, challenging and ongoing journey. 

For women in sport, the road has been paved with both victories and obstacles. From internal battles with self-confidence and the fear of failure, to a lack of funding and awareness, female athletes continue to navigate unique challenges in their pursuit of a successful career in the industry.

Monash University's ‘Women in Sport Network’ is confronting these challenges directly through its Semester 2 Leadership Series. 

Far more than just a collection of workshops and get-togethers, this initiative is designed to create a supportive community that empowers women to develop key skills, build self-confidence, and connect with mentors and peers who can guide and inspire them.

Carolyn Gordon, Team Monash’s Senior Program Leader, spoke candidly about the motivation behind launching this series:

“I think women face a lot of internal battles. We struggle with confidence and we're terrified of failure! We're scared to make mistakes and there is an ongoing internal pressure that we put on ourselves to succeed.”

“We really need to actively support each other to build each other up and to motivate others to believe in themselves,”Gordon explained.

With this guiding philosophy, Monash University aims to build a network grounded in shared experiences and support. Through this community, women are encouraged to embrace their strengths and step beyond their comfort zones. 

The ‘Women in Sport Network’ goes beyond skill development, it provides a space where women at all stages of their careers can come together to share their journeys and support one another. Gordon emphasised the importance of this community:

“Networking with like-minded women, whether they are ahead of you in their journey, at the peak of their career, or following in your footsteps and just starting out, is so important. It demonstrates in an authentic, genuine way that you can achieve your goals and that putting yourself out of your comfort zone is always a good thing.”

For Business and Media student Ellen Walker, who is also President of the Monash Table Tennis Club, the network has been invaluable:

“Meeting with like-minded women has been the highlight of the program so far. Hearing real stories and finding comfort that we all have had/still have similar struggles and experiences,” Walker explained.

These gatherings are not simply about highlighting achievements, they are about showcasing the strength that emerges when women come together, share their stories, and find solidarity in their experiences.

Walker further elaborated on the impact of the program:

“I have gained skills in confidence, dealing with difficult conversations, as well as finding out about my own learning and communication style. These skills are not only applicable to my sporting life but are also transferable to other areas of my life such as study and career.”

“I feel like I can deal with situations with more confidence and have more insight into how I work most effectively with others,”Walker said.

Her journey illustrates how the network not only empowers women in sport but also enhances their abilities across various aspects of life. From building friendships and teamwork to developing communication, resilience, and professionalism, sport acts as the social glue that nurtures these essential skills, whether at the grassroots level or in elite competition.

The Women in Sport Network at Monash is a movement that goes far beyond workshops and networking events. 

It’s about tackling the real challenges women face in sports : the self-doubt, the fear of failure and transforming them into strengths. 

Ellen Walker’s journey, along with Carolyn Gordon's insights, shows us that this isn’t just about individual victories. It’s about building a collective legacy.

The women who pass through this program are paving the way for those who follow, showing them that they can step into any arena with confidence. They are shaping a future where every woman has the chance to lead, both on and off the field.

To find out more about the Women in Sport Network at Monash visit our website.

Written by Antonia Xu