2021 Benefitting Society - The University of Newcastle - Australia

2021 Benefitting Society - The University of Newcastle - Australia

Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered - Enhancing societal health and wellbeing by targeting father-daughter physical activity and gender equity

Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is a community-based, multi-award-winning education program targeting fathers/father-figures to improve their daughters’ physical activity levels and social-emotional wellbeing. Importantly, this innovative program also addresses and challenges the culture of gender prejudice existing in girls’ lives. 

In 2014, the program was developed by Professor Phil Morgan and colleagues from the University of Newcastle. Using innovative collaborations with local schools and industry partners, results have been overwhelmingly positive with significant long-term health improvements achieved. The impact of the program has led to $4.1 million in research funding and seen delivery to 790 daughters and 678 fathers across NSW, in various sports and in the UK.

In addition, a highly innovative University course has taught over 190 preservice and in-service teachers to deliver the program; creating wide ranging education and community benefits through improved teaching practices and holistic outcomes for children and the wider community.

Top 3 learnings:

1. The development of strong collaborative partnerships between Universities, Industry, Schools, Communities and Government are key for the scale up and sustainability of impactful community programs.
2. Quality education programs using evidence-based pedagogies, delivered by engaging facilitators are essential to maximise benefits for communities.
3. Targeting valued outcomes in an innovative and meaningful manner is critical for the engagement of families in health programs and attracting funding support to ensure sustainability.

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)