Advancing Women in Sport Michelle Redfern

In this episode of the Advancing Women in Sport podcast, I interviewed Suzie Betts, the founder of Boob Armour. Boob Armour is revolutionary protective gear specially designed for women athletes. The idea for Boob Armor was born out of Suzie's personal health scare, which highlighted a significant gap in sports safety for women's breasts. The mission of Boob Armour is to reduce breast injuries and provide women in sports with both protection and confidence. Despite facing industry resistance and challenges in initiating targeted research, Betts is a staunch advocate for gender-specific safety gear. The conversation throws light on the lack of a systemic approach to breast protection in sports, which is supported by research indicating a high prevalence of breast injuries among women athletes. This episode is a call to action for sports administrators and decision-makers to include Boob Armour in safety protocols, emphasising the importance of prioritising women athletes' health and safety. Through Suzie's advocacy, the podcast underscores the urgent need for solutions like Boob Armour. It advocates for a safer, more inclusive sporting environment where women's specific safety needs are acknowledged and addressed.
Resources:
Boob Armour Website: https://www.boobarmour.com.au
Research on Breast Injuries in Sports: https://www.boobarmour.com.au/why-boob-armour/medical-research/
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez: https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/
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In my latest episode of the Advancing Women in Sport podcast, I had an energising conversation with Karen Hennessy, the founder of Women's Sport WA. We discussed Karen's journey from Ireland to Australia, her roots in physical education, and her lifelong involvement in various sport. I was so pleased to hear Karen's tireless voluntary advocacy for women's sports. Karen shared insights from her Save the Force campaign and the establishment of Women in Sport WA. We discussed the challenges faced by women in sports administration and the critical need for visibility and representation. Her initiatives, like starting a LinkedIn group and an Instagram account during the pandemic, are geared towards inspiring young girls in sports by providing them with accurate role models. Our conversation also covered the prevailing gender inequality in sports workplaces. It looked towards the future of women and girls in sports, highlighting the global trend of breaking attendance records and increasing visibility. You can find Karen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hennessy-7b12b250/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/womeninsportwa/
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Sarah Karlik joins me in this Advancing Women in Sport podcast episode. Sarah, a multi-talented figure in sports, shared her journey, spanning over 25 years, from a young athlete to a respected name in women's soccer.
Our discussion was about Sarah's academic pursuits, particularly her PhD research focused on the experiences of international women's football players. This research coincides with the growing professionalisation and globalisation of women's football. It aims to influence future sports policies and practices.
A significant aspect of our talk was women athletes' challenges, especially concerning earning a living wage and the disparities between men's and women's earnings in sports. Sarah emphasised the importance of networks in supporting athletes' careers locally and globally.
We also explored practical steps for sporting organisations and individuals to support women in sports. This included the importance of gender-inclusive hiring practices and the role of mentorship in advancing women's careers in sports.
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkarlik/ and follow her insights on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coaches_digest/
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In this episode of The Advancing Women in Sport podcast, Molina Asthana joins as a guest to discuss her trailblazing career in the legal and sporting industries.
Molina shares her story of growing up in India, where girls' participation in sports was not encouraged. She found inspiration in the Australian sporting culture. She began running and participating in fun runs, which helped her gain confidence, make friends, and find support. Molina emphasises the benefits of sports for women from diverse backgrounds, including a sense of belonging and building self-assurance.
The conversation focuses on several key topics, including Molina's unconventional journey into sports administration and governance, her experiences navigating challenges as a woman of colour in both the legal and sporting sectors and the importance of diversity in leadership. Molina also discusses her advocacy work for women from multicultural backgrounds, highlighting how her initiatives aim to create more inclusive sports communities and opportunities for participation at all levels. Finally, she shares her vision for the future of women in sports, emphasising the importance of continued advocacy, policy change, and the role of allies in achieving gender equality in sports.
Join us to hear Molina's inspiring accomplishments and learn more about her experiences in the legal and sporting industries. Gain insight into why sports are vital for women from diverse backgrounds. You can find Molina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molina-asthana-gaicd-0922b1104/
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In this episode of the Advancing Women in Sport podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Catherine Ordway, Associate Professor of Sports Management at the University of Canberra. Dr. Ordway, a trailblazer in sports law and advocacy, shared her journey from a young lawyer to a critical influencer in sports integrity, ethics, and leadership. She detailed her instrumental role in establishing Women on Boards. She highlighted the slow yet evolving progress in gender diversity in sports governance. Emphasising the need for practical actions to overcome resistance, Dr Ordway conveyed optimism about the future of women in sports, citing the rise in professionalism and visibility of female athletes. This conversation underscored the significance of male allies in championing gender equality and the collective efforts required to create systemic change in the sports industry. You can find Catherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineordway/
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In this episode of the Advancing Women in Sports podcast, I was delighted to chat with Ellen Connor, a pioneering NCCP-certified level one boxing Canada coach and the founder of a non-profit Boxing Club and West Coast Wonder Women. Ellen shared her unique journey, starting with her experiences in the Canadian Navy at 19, where she first encountered the stark realities of gender inequality. This early exposure to a male-dominated environment shaped her resolve to create equitable opportunities for women in sports, particularly boxing.
Ellen's entry into the boxing world began as a means to rebuild her self-confidence after personal challenges. Her first boxing match at 40 was a transformative experience, igniting her passion to advocate for women's opportunities in the sport. She observed how female boxers often fight for reasons beyond competition – seeking empowerment, resilience, and self-affirmation. Recognising the lack of platforms for women in boxing, she established the West Coast Wonder Women, an inclusive event offering a stage for female boxers of all backgrounds and ages.
Ellen's advocacy extends beyond the ring. She emphasises the importance of redefining success in sports, advocating for inclusivity and equality, and challenging the status quo in male-dominated domains. Her efforts reflect a commitment to fostering talent and building a supportive community where women uplift each other. Ellen's story is a testament to the power of women's resilience and her leadership in creating inclusive spaces in sports. You can find Ellen at https://westcoastwonderwomen.net, and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/westcoastwonderwomenplus/
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