WOMEN and girls living through the City of Whittlesea are being urged to share their stories in an attempt to get people talking.
The aim of the initiative is to help participants gain more confidence to take health into their own hands as outside factors continue to influence people’s lives.
The City of Whittlesea is inviting local women and girls to share their favourite ways to get active for an upcoming campaign Whittlesea Girls Can.
Inspired by the “This Girl Can” campaign in the UK, and recently in Victoria by VicHealth, the Whittlesea Girls Can campaign aims to motivate women to get active.
Mayor Kris Pavlidis said Whittlesea Girls Can will feature positive images and stories of local active women – regardless of their background, ability, age or body shape.
“We’re banding together to celebrate the stories and experiences of all kinds of local women and girls, so we can continue to break down mainstream stereotypes around what active or sporty bodies look like and give others the confidence to take health into their own hands,” she said.
“If you feel that your story will give other women and girls the confidence to get out and have a go, we would love to hear from you.”
Recently, health organisations have been trying to get women back into physical activity.
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said the campaign is achieving its goal of empowering women to smash their fears of judgement and intimidation holding them back from being active.
“Before the campaign, our research showed more than half of Victorian women were worried about being judged while exercising – for 41 per cent this fear of embarrassment was so bad it stopped them from getting out and active,” Ms Rechter said.
“We’ve heard incredible stories from women who would only exercise at night because they felt too embarrassed to go out during the day; women who’ve been heckled while on their bikes or at the gym, who now stare down their inner and actual critics and get active anyway.
“We want all women – no matter how sweaty they get, how red their face is or how good they are – to feel comfortable about getting out there and giving physical activity a go. That’s what This Girl Can – Victoria is all about.”
To share your story visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au
