Event organisers GippSport and Gippsland Women’s Health Service said the forum will discuss issues for women in sporting clubs and how to combat them.

GippSport’s Dawn Martin said in a media release that ideas raised in the forum can be discussed with clubs to see changes made.

“It could be making sure all club members know about their code of conduct and actions that will occur if it is breached,” Ms Martin said.

“Through the VicHealth Healthy Sporting Environments program, community sports clubs can also assess how welcoming, inclusive and safe their clubs are.”

GippSport cited research which showed a lack of change and hygiene facilities, poor lighting, alcohol and harassment are all factors in making clubs and venues safe.

Gippsland Women’s Health Service Regional Prevention of Violence Against Women Coordinator Sarah Corbell said accessibility was an important issue.

“It is important for clubs to ensure that their female members have equal access to equipment and infrastructure,” Ms Corbell said in a media release.

“Most importantly women need to be encouraged and supported, in the same way men are, to be involved in decision making processes that benefit all members of a sporting club.”

The free forum will be held in Morwell on 29 May.