Female Football Week is a nationwide initiative dedicated to highlighting and honouring women in football, with the goal of increasing their visibility in all aspects of the sport.
Since its establishment in 2014, Female Football Week has grown into a prominent platform that promotes and showcases girls and women involved in football at every level throughout the country.
This year, the annual celebration will take place from 19-28 May, just weeks away from the FIFA Women’s World Cup landing in Australia and New Zealand.
Football Australia’s Head of Women's Football, Women's World Cup Legacy & Inclusion, Sarah Walsh, says women’s football in the country is experiencing “unprecedented growth across all areas of the game”.
“As we prepare to host the biggest standalone women’s sporting event in the world, Female Football Week has never felt as significant as it does this year and is one of many important levers to drive 50/50 equity in participation,” Ms Walsh says.
Sarah Walsh speaks during the FIFA Women's World Cup 100 Days To Go launch event at Sydney Football Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Sydney, Australia Credit: Photo by Tiffany Williams / Football Australia
Ms Sunaga, who arrived from Japan in 2022, says such initiatives in the sporting field encourage and support those working towards closing the gender gap in society.
Miku Sunaga, Macarthur Rams FC (left) Credit: Supplied, Photo by Alen Delic
In Japan, many people are working for women's rights and gender equality in society. For these people, it is a powerful initiative to see people in sports working for the same goal.Miku Sunaga
When Mio Nemoto, who plays for the NWS Spirit FC, arrived in Australia in 2022, one of the first thing she noticed was the visibility of female players in advertisements.
While the upcoming World Cup is a big driving force behind change, the goalkeeper believes initiatives like Female Football Week can also contribute.
"I hope Japan can incorporate initiatives such as this and create an environment that can communicate globally about women's football."
Mio Nemoto, NSW Spirit FC Credit: Supplied, Photo by Mike Barrett
"The lack of speed means the game develops differently, and that's what makes it interesting. It's not all about physical strength, but the attention to detail, the skills and the tactics," she says.
"I hope that many people will watch (women's football) and learn about it."
Keiko Tanaka, Gladesville Ravens (right) Credit: Supplied, Photo by Dan Ullman
"I want to have the power to win the environment by ourselves, just like the US national team."
From the 19-28 May, the state member federations will be offering a , which include "Come and Try" sessions, coaching and referee courses, informative webinars featuring guest speakers, Women in Football panels, lively football festivals and networking events.
Ms Nemoto says it's an important opportunity to hear not only from the players, but from those that support the sport.
"People tend to focus on the players, but we must see that football is made up of many people. Coaches, referees and the volunteers who help the games run smoothly."
She says these events will help broaden perspectives on football.
"You can be involved in football from many different perspectives."
Ahead of the first-ever 32-nation Women’s World Cup, clubs around the country are invited to embrace , a powerful chant which will be the sound and symbol of the tournament.
The World Cup runs from 20 July to 20 August 2023. Visit the for the latest news, fixtures, results and more.
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