Building gender-balanced sport this International Women’s Day

7 March 2019

NSW Government, Office of Sport feature for International Women's Day 2019:

In support of this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Balance for Better’, the Office of Sport held a breakfast on 6 March 2019. The event, which was attended by more than 90 people, explored the unique role fathers can play in supporting their daughters through sport and was a powerful reminder of how changing the way we look at sport can contribute to building a gender-balanced world.

Professor Phil Morgan from the University of Newcastle shared his insights on the award-winning Dads and Daughters Exercising and Empowered Program (DADEE). Phil was accompanied by his 11-year-old daughter, Taylah, who spoke about her experience of the program.

Phil Morgan smiling at the camera with his daughter Taylah

We were also lucky to have Marlee and Keely Silva, discuss the influence of sport in their lives, having former Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters rugby league player, Rod Silva, as their dad.

Marlee and Keely Silva smiling at the camera with their father Rod Silva

"Our childhood consisted of long afternoons after school passing the footy, hitting a cricket ball and even pulling out the boxing gloves…to us, this was normal and we were never told that it was something for boys or girls only."

- Marlee Silva, daughter of former professional Australian rugby league footballer, Rod Silva.