On 12 September 2024, Women Onside hosted a powerful and inspiring Trailblazers webinar. The webinar highlighted the progress and achievements of women in football while exploring the personal and collective journeys of those who broke barriers in the sport. The event gathered prominent figures in Australian football, sharing their stories and experiences while emphasising the work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality in the game.
Moderated by the trailblazing Heather Reid, who has played a monumental role in Australian football, the panel featured key voices in the football community. Former Matilda and football governance leader Moya Dodd AO, one of Australia’s first Indigenous Matildas Dr. Karen Menzies, and filmmaker Maggie Eudes, Co-Director of the Trailblazers documentary, engaged in insightful discussions that left participants motivated to keep pushing for progress.
The session kicked off with Heather Reid praising the panel for their tireless commitment. Each panellist shared personal stories of the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced in advocating for gender equality and inclusion in the sport.
Moya Dodd: The Fight for Gender Equality in Football
Moya Dodd’s reflections on her time as a FIFA board member were especially poignant. As one of the first women to serve in a governing role after 108 years of male leadership, Dodd described women's institutional barriers, noting how the default perception in football leadership remains male.
“We were somewhat regarded as intruders,” Dodd shared, emphasising the importance of women being present in decision-making roles. Dodd’s feisty spirit and refusal to accept the status quo have helped pave the way for future generations of women in football leadership.
Karen Menzies: A Legacy of Resilience and Strength
Dr Karen Menzies’ powerful story as one of the first Indigenous women to represent the Matildas resonated deeply with the audience. Menzies recounted her experiences of overcoming discrimination on and off the field and spoke of how football served as an anchor in her life. Reflecting on the attitudinal barriers faced by women players in the early years, Menzies celebrated the persistence of women in football, acknowledging that while much has improved, there is still work to do, particularly in safeguarding players and addressing trauma from past experiences. Her resilience and strength are a testament to the power of women in football.
“Football was grounding for me,” Menzies said, underscoring how the sport offers empowerment, identity, and healing, particularly for Indigenous communities. Her call for greater efforts in ensuring the safety and protection of players was a crucial reminder of the responsibilities we still hold as advocates for women in football.
Maggie Eudes: The Power of Storytelling in Women’s Football
Maggie Eudes brought a fresh perspective, blending her experiences as a semi-professional footballer and filmmaker. As the Co-Director of the Trailblazers documentary, she spoke about the impact of telling the stories of women footballers, many of whom had never had their contributions recognised in the way they deserved. The documentary celebrates women’s achievements in football, shining a light on the determination and resilience that carried the pioneers of the game through decades of adversity.
For Eudes, storytelling was not just about recounting the past but about shaping the future. She stressed the importance of visibility in women’s sport, explaining, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Her vision for greater media coverage and representation of women’s football is essential to breaking down stereotypes and building a stronger, more inclusive football culture.
Looking Forward: The Path to Equality
The Trailblazers webinar reinforced that while significant progress has been made, the journey toward full equality in football is far from over. From addressing resource allocation and investment disparities to ensuring safety and representation at every level, the panel encouraged participants to continue championing the cause.
Women Onside, through their relentless efforts, has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in football. Their advocacy has led to powerful results, such as the push for the 40/40/20 rule in Football Australia boardrooms. Yet, as Moya Dodd pointed out, women’s football remains predominantly run by men, even today.
The panellists left us with a clear message: Women in football are still trailblazing, and every one of us can play a part in driving that change.
Take Action: Be a TrailBlazer for Women’s Football
Feeling Inspired? There are plenty of ways you can contribute to the future of women’s football:
Take the #BlazerATrail Pledge: Join the movement for gender equality in football by taking the pledge and committing to actions that support women’s inclusion and leadership in the game.
Host a Screening: Bring the Trailblazers documentary to your club or community. Organise a screening to inspire others with the incredible stories of resilience and success that have shaped women’s football in Australia.
Watch the Film: If you haven’t already, we highly recommend watching Trailblazers on Stan. This documentary provides a comprehensive and inspiring journey of Australia’s football pioneers, and we encourage you to share it with others to spread awareness and understanding of the issues women in football face.
Together, we can continue to blaze the trail for future generations of women in football. Let's take action and be the change we want to see in the sport. Join us in our mission for gender equality in football.
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