This Girl Can inspires record number of women to move more
Now in its 4th year, a post-campaign survey by La Trobe University shows the campaign supported around 1 in 6 women aged 18 to 65 in Victoria to move their bodies through inspirational videos and free and inclusive online workouts.
Despite the challenges of 2021, more than 340,000 women across Victoria have been inspired to get active and stay active as a result of VicHealth’s This Girl Can – Victoria campaign, making it the campaign’s most successful year yet1.
What’s even more impressive, 8 in 10 (81%) of the women who got active after seeing the campaign, were still keeping active 4 months later2.
Victorian Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said: “The This Girl Can campaign is empowering women to be active and breaking down outdated stereotypes of what they can or can’t achieve in the gym, on the sporting fields, in our neighbourhoods and in the great outdoors.
“This is about leveling the playing field and enabling more women to prioritise their own health and well-being, embracing physical activity that suits them in supportive and welcoming environments.”
The La Trobe University survey found that the women who did something active as a result of This Girl Can – Victoria in 2021 enjoyed a range of health benefits, including:
- 2 in 5 (40%) reported improved general wellbeing
- 1 in 4 (26%) experienced better physical wellbeing, and
- 1 in 5 (22%) felt a better sense of mental wellbeing.
VicHealth’s Head of This Girl Can – Victoria, Melanie Fineberg, said we must support women to be active in ways that feel good and suit them.
“It’s so great to see that so many women across Victoria are making their physical and mental wellbeing a priority this year, despite the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. And we’re excited that the This Girl Can – Victoria campaign could support them on their journey,” Ms Fineberg said.
“Women have had to juggle so much yet again, from home schooling and parenting to work, study and other commitments. Physical activity and movement have positive impacts on mental wellbeing, so it’s more important than ever for all of us to support women to keep active in any way they can.”
Justine’s story – inspired to move more
Justine Streager, 32 from Keysborough in Melbourne, says This Girl Can – Victoria has inspired her to get active and connect with other active women, while juggling motherhood, working from home and the many other challenges of life in 2021.
“I really resonate with the messaging of This Girl Can, because it’s all about just getting out and giving it a go without fear of judgement,” Justine says.
“Worrying about what others think is something that has plagued my mind. Surrounding myself with the messaging of This Girl Can, and getting involved with activities that align with this messaging, made me feel safe to try lots of different activities.”
In 2020-21, Justine tried online group training with a diverse personal trainer and couch to 5km using the NHS CHOICES UK podcast. When restrictions allowed, she also tried hiking with Escaping Your Comfort Zone, which she’s now a leader for, and GO Soccer Mums.
“I’ve documented my experiences on Instagram and I love being encouraged by This Girl Can and others, and also seeing others doing the same as me, just giving it their best. I love making social connections and supporting and uplifting others in their fitness goals too,” Justine said.
“I’m no longer sitting on the sidelines and am no longer isolated. I have community and that feels big.”
Women of all ages and abilities can get involved in This Girl Can – Victoria by checking out the beginner-friendly workouts at This Girl Can Get Active @ Home, joining the community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or following the #ThisGirlCanVIC.
For more tips and inspo, visit thisgirlcan.com.au