‘Empower Her Ride’ Program Goes Up A Gear
Published on 23 May 2024
‘Empower Her Ride’ Program Goes Up A Gear!
Council’s pioneering ‘Empower Her Ride’ program returns this November after securing additional funding through the State Government’s 2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program.
First trialled during the ‘Spring into Summer Series’ last year, Empower Her Ride was designed to address a need identified by the Asylum Resource Centre for programs to help women wanting to learn to ride a bike or gain more confidence on two wheels.
The pilot, run as a collaborative effort between Council’s Active Maribyrnong initiative and Maribyrnong Community Centre, attracted ten participants. Active Maribyrnong plans to build on this by working with Wheel Women, a women-focused cycling group, to expand the program.
City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam said by recognising the diverse community of Maribyrnong, the Empower Her Ride Program provides a safe and inclusive space for women from multicultural backgrounds to come together, learn to ride a bike, build confidence, and support each other.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage more women and girls to participate in sports and recreational activities they love. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by multicultural women, the program seeks to break down cultural barriers and support greater social cohesion and equality within the community." Mayor Lam said.
Empower Her Ride’ encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles through cycling, contributing to participants' physical and mental wellbeing and provides practical biking skills that increase transportation options, encourage sustainable travel, and promote environmental awareness.
The Program was among 119 recipients of the 2023-24 Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program, which aim to inspire greater female participation in sports, including the development of new women's programs, hosting women’s sports events, and offering leadership opportunities within clubs.
The Empower Her Ride program will re-commence in November 2024.
Maribyrnong News
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