Smashing stereotypes through sport

The Muslim Women’s Get into Golf Program has enabled Muslim women to be active, build friendships and engage in their community.

The Get into Golf Program is delivered in partnership between City of Whittlesea and Golf Australia and supported by Al-Siraat Islamic College and Growling Frog Golf Course.

In June 2022, the City of Whittlesea won the Parks & Leisure Australia (Vic/ Tas) Award for Community Based Initiative of the Year for the program.

“Joining a program like this actually gives us that benefit of exercising, walking along and then building connections and other friendships with sisters you might not really know,” said Rihana Penitito.

Rihana grew up watching her father play golf, but until she joined the program, she had never picked up a golf club.

Now if you ask her, she says, “It’s not really a man’s game, anyone can play it.”

Learn more about how Council supports gender equity in sport.