Responding to the FIFA Council’s historic decision for Australia and New Zealand to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said:

“Today’s historic decision by the FIFA Council is a tremendous and exciting step forward, not only for women’s football, but for the visibility and contribution of women in sport more broadly.

“Women’s sport in Australia has gained significant social and commercial momentum in recent years, with the women’s T20 World Cup cricket final attracting a record-breaking crowd and the landmark equal pay deal for the Matildas and the Socceroos. 

“These critical moments highlight the power of sport to promote gender equality and encourage positive social change, which in turn can prevent violence against women by creating inclusive, equitable and safe environments for men and women, boys and girls.

“Our Watch’s Equality and Respect in Sport initiative aims to assist national sporting organisations to build their capacity to promote gender equality.

“Through Our Watch’s partnership with Football Federation Australia (FFA), the Australian Football League (AFL), National Rugby League (NRL) and Rugby Australia (RA), we are working with leaders in sport to stamp out sexism and inequality, and to set an example for their networks and communities to follow.

“As the nation rebuilds from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, we must ensure that women’s sport and the creation of leadership opportunities for women in sport continues to be a priority.

“Our Watch urges sporting organisations to remain committed to extending the notion of equality and fairness into the core business of sport by addressing the drivers of violence against women, so we can stop it before it starts.

“It is important to acknowledge all the women who generously gave their time, skills, and passion to help bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to Australia and New Zealand in 2023 including the General Manager of Australia’s AsOne World Cup bid team, Jane Fernandez, former FFA Board Member, Moya Dodd, Independent Chair of the FFA Women’s Football Council and member of the Australian 2023 bid committee, Ros Moriarty and Our Watch Chair, Natasha Stott Despoja AO.”