Celebrating Each for Equal this International Women's Day

Sunday 8 March marks International Women’s Day, with people around the globe recognising the great work of women from all walks of life.

The theme of International Women’s Day in 2020 is Each for Equal, drawn from a notion of ‘Collective Individualism.’

Sport is a great vehicle for change, and an example of one of the many industries working hard to make change happen.

Aussie Stingers captain Rowie Webster is at the forefront of women’s sport, not only leading her country in water polo but forms part of the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete Advisory Committee.

Webster said she’s proud to be part of the women in sport movement and to see how much has changed so far.

“Times are changing and there’s a real movement at the moment with how strong women can be,” Webster said.

“Women can be their own hero, rather than always just looking up to the mens sporting athletes.”

When plans for their recent training camp changed, the Aussie Stingers found themself in Dubai for a day, where Webster was able to demonstrate just how strong women can be… literally!

“Our travel plans changed so we thought let’s make the most of a day in Dubai and as we were walking around the silk markets some guys kept coming up to us asking ‘how much do you lift?’” Webster said.

“He propositioned Amy (Ridge) for an arm wrestle, but she said I’d do it, so I stepped up to the plate,” she said.

“There was a point there where I thought I was going to lose but all the Aussie Stingers girls were around me and pride was on the line so we managed to come away with the win and even scored a (toy) camel out of it,” laughed Webster.

Now in camp at the AIS, the Aussie Stingers find themselves surrounded by strong females, something that Webster said her and her teammates find extremely motivating.

“We’ve got the 4x100 metre (swimming) girls here with us, and the Canberra Capitals Basketball girls too, so we’ve got all shapes and sizes,” Webster said.

“And with the Women’s Cricket World Cup on TV, and even the AFLW now it’s all coming together (for women’s sport),” she said.

Water Polo Australia would like to acknowledge all the strong women who make our sport great.