Today marks 2022 International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Women make a tremendous contribution at all levels of our football club and the ‘Advancement of Women’ is a key pillar our Diversity Action Plan (DAP).
The Sydney Swans are proud of our existing gender diversity and committed to creating even greater opportunities for women, as well as developing pathways to help female staff and players reach their aspirations.
This year will mark the most exciting chapter of the club’s celebration of women with the Sydney Swans AFLW team entering the competition in Season 7 in 2022/23.
There is much anticipation around the inaugural Swans AFLW team with the club already passing 4000 AFLW members - the highest of any team in the league. This is an incredible achievement with the club not yet in the competition.
On the field, Kate Mahony- Executive General Manger – AFLW is hard at work with the list build of the inaugural team whilst keeping an eye on the talent coming through the QBE Sydney Swans Academy with 300 future stars now having a direct pathway to wearing the red and white as a senior player.
Off the field, across the commercial side of the Sydney Swans, half of our staff are women, while there are three women who help lead the club as part of our six-person executive management team and two women on our Board.
There has also been an increase in women in our football department over recent years, with new additions to the team in operations, high performance, medical services and player development.
From ensuring our members are well looked after, to medical support for the players, to promoting our players through the media, the women of the Sydney Swans occupy a diverse range of roles to represent the club.
The club is also fortunate to have a strong female supporter base, with our L@SS (Ladies @Sydney Swans) group offering female members the opportunity to share their passion for the club with like-minded female supporters.
On this International Women’s Day, we reflect on all those women who represent the red and white, on and off the field and acknowledge the inclusive environment at the Sydney Swans that allows all of them to thrive and #BreakTheBias.
