NRF Gender Equity Charter
This page is currently accessible BUT still under construction. Please check back frequently for updates
East Coast Bays AFC are extremely proud to be one of the first clubs to sign the Northern Region Football (NRF) Gender Equity Charter, a clear signal of the inclusivity of our club.
The Charter emerged from a working group that focused on how we can make the most of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 opportunity to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
As part of our partnership with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 team base, we aim to create a lasting legacy not only in upgrades to our club facilities, but in providing better opportunities for women and girls in our club.
In demonstrating our commitment to girls and women’s football, we are showing that we believe this is the right thing to do - and committing to making our club even more inclusive.
East Coast Bays AFC President Roger Bridge says he’s extremely proud to be taking a leadership role and being one of the first clubs to sign up to the charter.
“We’ve been focused on making football more accessible and attractive to girls and women for a number of years as a club, but by signing the NRF charter we’re showing our support beyond our club and I hope signalling to every other club in Aotearoa that this is the right thing to do.”
“This goes beyond increasing player participation and includes encouraging more females to take on leadership positions within our club, such as coaching, managing, or becoming a member of our Board. It’s vital for the sustainability of our club,” he says.
Signing the charter will help measure what’s going well, what needs work and the steps we need to take to get there.
The Charter work focuses on:
- Leadership: Leadership and governance that reflects and supports gender equity
- Participation: Equitable participation and development opportunities, including juniors and youth girls-only football
- Visibility: Make girls and women visible, showing their value in our club
- Resources: Equitable resources and opportunities for girls and women
- Facilities: Fit-for-purpose facilities that meet the specific needs of girls and women in our club.
Following our President's message, we are pleased to announce that we have developed our own East Coast Bays AFC Gender Equity Policy. This policy, aligning with the principles of the NRF Gender Equity Charter, tailors them to the specific needs and goals of our club, ensuring a proactive and inclusive approach to gender equity in all aspects of our operations.
To further demonstrate our commitment, we have made the East Coast Bays AFC Gender Equity Policy available for download at the bottom of this page. This document details our specific strategies and commitments towards fostering gender equity in every aspect of our club's culture and operations.
Our Board is extremely proud and excited about what’s ahead and encourage our members to get involved. If you want to learn more, visit the Charter on the NRF’s website.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please email East Coast Bays AFC President Roger Bridge or one of our Board members.
The Results Are In
Thank you to all our club members who took the time to participate in the Gender Equity Survey, after much anticipation, the results have been released by AKTIV NZ.
The work starts now!!
We have compiled the findings from various sources, including the Gender Equity Survey, ECB Club Survey, NZF VOIP (Voice of the People) survey, and numerous conversations had at the sidelines in 2023. We're excited to kick things off and get the ball rolling. Results for this survey can be found below
Equity in Action
ECB, along with NRF ran an information evening for all passionate advocates, players, coaches, and supporters of women and girls' football! We shared our draft action plan and chatted about the future of the game, sharing ideas, and brainstorming ways to make it even better for women and girls in our community.
This plan, whilst still in its early stages, will enable the club to make small, yet deliberate changes in key areas of concern for club members, over time these small changes will have significant impact on the women and girls program and overall involvement at the club.
Why is this Important? It's all about teamwork, collaboration, sharing ideas right? We're talking real change, real impact for our women and girls. We need fresh ideas, your unique voices... it's a team effort! Our girls and women are counting on us for their future in the sport. Let's rally up and show our support. Every bit of help counts!
Women and Girls Committee / Working Group
ECB has established a Women and Girls Committee, a core group of passionate people tasked with making a difference in this space. After extensive consultation over the past few months with women and girls leaders at Harbour Sport and NRF, this leadership group are proud to have produced the first draft of the Women and Girls Action Plan for our club.
Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where specific initiatives for women and girls are no longer needed because inclusivity is second nature and a core part of our club culture. We strive for a club where everyone feels valued, and everyone has a voice.
If you would like more information or would like to get involved, please contact Gail Hanekom – gail@ecbafc.co.nz
