A landmark national women's football survey

In a national first, we are launching a groundbreaking survey in partnership with Women Onside. The survey will explore the experiences of women who work in and participate in football across Australia.

From the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to thousands of grassroots teams taking the field every weekend, women’s participation in football has never been stronger. But despite major gains in visibility and representation, advocates say there is still a long way to go to achieve genuine equality — and progress is not moving fast enough.

Findings from the national survey will be compiled into a report and released during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, set to take place in Australia in March 2026. While research has been conducted into the experiences of women at the elite level, this will be the first study of its kind to examine women’s experiences in community football across the country. It follows an equivalent survey undertaken annually by Women Onside’s British counterpart, Women in Football UK.

Chair of Women Onside Kerry Harris said: “Despite some considerable positive progress, the experience of women and girls in football in Australia at all levels remains marked by gender inequality. Ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup, now is a critical opportunity to gather the data needed to inform policy and advocacy to ensure better experiences for all.”

Professor Michelle Ryan, inaugural Director of GIWL and lead researcher on the project said: "Witnessing the growth of women's football in recent years should motivate us to consolidate this progress. Through research, we can lay the foundations necessary in ensuring that this growth is inclusive and sustainable by informing policy, raising awareness, and enhancing our understanding of inequalities in the football industry. 

For media enquiries, please contact Women Onside at join@womenonside.com.au.