Tennis Australia launches community leadership program for women

As part of its ongoing commitment to tackling gender inequity in leadership, Tennis Australia has today launched its Women Leaders in Tennis program was launched at the Australian Open.

As a key part of Tennis Australia’s Women and Girls Plan, the Women Leaders in Tennis program will provide existing and emerging tennis leaders with tools and networks to help support their career progression.

The four-month program combines face-to-face group activities, self-paced interactive online projects and mentoring in a welcoming educational environment that supports participants to build their confidence and competence as community tennis leaders.

The Women and Girls Plan is funded by a $12 million Federal Government grant, announced in January 2019, that supports Tennis Australia to build on its already extensive women-in-sport initiatives.

Tailored development programs, mentoring and career pathways that improve access, opportunity, inclusion and the empowerment of women and girls in tennis are all key initiatives of the plan, with the ultimate aim of achieving gender equality in tennis.

Australian Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the Government was very proud of its investment in tennis, which is helping increase the participation of women and girls in this great sport, commenting “we want to encourage more women and girls to be more active, more often on the court and have fun while they participate.

“In partnership with Tennis Australia, we are confident our $12 million investment will lead to more women and girls playing, coaching, umpiring and volunteering as well as helping to lead tennis at all levels.”

More than 30 Victorian women attended the launch of the Women Leaders in Tennis program with attendees also recognising the centenary of the first women’s singles competition at the Australasian Championships in 1922. 

Tennis Australia Head of Government, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Vicki Reid added “it is a priority for us to provide women with more opportunities to refresh, renew and rebuild the critical skills they need to move into leadership roles, so that our tennis leadership is truly representative of our diverse tennis community.”