Periods and Sport

S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. How is the government reducing the stigma of periods across sporting domains?

The Hon. K.A. HILDYARD (Reynell—Minister for Child Protection, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:36): Thank you to the member for her question. I acknowledge her passion to advance inclusion throughout sporting clubs in her community. We know that removing stigma surrounding periods and menstruation in sport—and, indeed, everywhere—is crucial for fostering inclusivity and encouraging more women to participate in sport at all levels.

Research shows that 78 per cent of girls and women said they have avoided sport when they have their period. Whilst it is important to note that this sometimes happens because of the experience of physical discomfort, for many the disengagement stems from feelings of shame, embarrassment and fear around their period. That is why our government is proud to invest almost $450,000 through the Active State Collaboration Program over two years for the establishment and delivery of the 'Game-changing. Period.' campaign run by Active Inclusion with support from state sporting organisations Volleyball SA, Netball SA, Football SA and the Pelvic Pain Foundation.

This project includes the development of training modules, club resources and policy templates to support a statewide menstruation in sport education campaign. These resources will assist in the delivery of training to a minimum of 3,000 sports participants, and is strengthened through a social media campaign aimed at changing attitudes about menstruation and raising awareness of, and access to, program resources.

When menstruation is treated as a taboo topic, this often leads to embarrassment, discomfort and even discrimination for female athletes, which can hinder their involvement and performance in sport. By changing the narrative around periods, normalising discussion about them, and removing stigma through encouraging open, supportive and informed conversation, this program will make a difference in the lives of women, in the culture of clubs across our state, and in the physical wellbeing of our community as a whole, as more people are empowered, encouraged and welcomed to participate, no matter where they are at in their menstrual cycle.

Through this program we have an opportunity to make things better, to ensure everybody knows that menstruation doesn't have to be a barrier to participation. The campaign powerfully includes testimonials from some of South Australia's elite athletes, opening up about their personal stories of managing their periods to stay at the top of their game, including Thunderbird Tayla Williams and AFL umpire Eleni Tee. Lending their voices to this campaign, these athletes are growing community awareness and starting conversations across codes.

Through the delivery of training to support and educate clubs, athletes and coaches in addressing the barriers that currently exist, we have the potential to make sport more accessible, inclusive and, indeed, champions of women.

This project has the potential to have a profound impact on participation levels and on the health and wellbeing of women who are menstruating and for people who will never menstruate but who can absolutely play a positive, constructive role in shifting attitudes with and for South Australian sport. It is so important that the whole community is involved in period conversations, not just those who experience them. This campaign calls on everybody to lead by example through using language that enables open discussion.

I encourage all members in this place to speak with their local sporting clubs to get involved in this campaign and enable our sporting communities to be game changing. Period.