The theme of International Women's Day 2025 was March Forward. We asked our Member Federations what this theme meant to them and how they demonstrate the theme in their everyday work.
Danielle Muller Football Tasmania CFO
For me, March Forward means ensuring that women are represented at all levels and in all aspects of our game. My contribution isn’t on the field – it’s in making sure our Member Federation is on a strong financial footing to deliver opportunities for Tasmanians to have a healthy, enjoyable and connected life through participation in football.
Paula Da Costa – Office Manager – Football NT Odette Da Costa – Competitions Administrator – Football Northern Territory
We’re here, we’re working in the game because we genuinely care, and want to drive it forward. Great strides have been made in women’s participation in Territory football, and we know there is a lot more to do so we’re just going to keep dedicating ourselves to the movement and keep supporting and working together with our peers across other Member Federations – head down, bottom up. Hard work defines us and is a key factor in achieving collective goals for Territory football.
Elizabeth Lepre - Senior Manager - Media & Communications - Football Queensland
Helping the game 'March Forward' to me is about creating more opportunities for Queenslanders, particularly women and girls, to get involved in every part of our game including as players, referees, coaches, administrators and volunteers. In my role, that means telling the stories, highlighting the initiatives and celebrating the achievements that are helping to build a more accessible and inclusive game.
Josephine La Pila – Club Changer – Club Development Program Manager – Football Victoria
The joy of being involved in our beautiful game is witnessing the development of football grow beyond our normal competitions. It brings communities, culture and families together to experience the diversity that our game offers.
The investment from the Football Australia Club Changer Club Development Program in collaboration with the Australian Sports Commission for women and girls in football has been the biggest highlight over the past 35 years, with an increase of 16% growth for women & girls.
This truly demonstrates that if we continue to unite, we can achieve the impossible.
This is a true testament to the work delivered by all patrons of the game that continues to see us March Forward.
Michelle Hanley – Football NSW Risk Manager and State Member Protection Officer
There is no greater reward than knowing that my work directly contributes to the safety and well-being of children in football. For the past 25 years, the opportunity to positively impact children's lives and enhance their enjoyment of the sport has been my driving force.
Anna Daye – Chair – Women and Girls Standing Committee - Football Northern Territory
Football Northern Territory are marching forward to work collaboratively with all Member Federations to celebrate women and girls to provide all with equal opportunities, so that no one is left behind. As a Member Federation, we must ensure that the next generation, particularly women and girls are empowered to break down the systemic barriers. We must foster inclusivity and empowerment and ensure our young women and girls are given an opportunity to be heard. Our young women and girls will be the next generation to close the gap to achieve gender equality.
Selina Holtze – President – Football Northern Territory
I am fully committed to advancing opportunities for women and girls across the Northern Territory to engage in football whether as an official, volunteer, administrator, or player from grassroots to elite level and beyond, including accessing pathways to our national teams through Talent Identification programs. Marching Forward is not just a vision, but a promise to dismantle barriers, uphold respect and dignity, and foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable future for all women and girls in sport irrespective of race. Together, we build a foundation that empowers future generations to thrice and succeed in football.