National praise for world-leading program smashing gender norms
A groundbreaking father-daughter well-being program aimed at empowering daughters and their father-figures has received national recognition at last night’s Engagement Australia 2025 Excellence Awards in Sydney.
The University of Newcastle’s Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program, led by Professor Phil Morgan, was honoured for its community engagement and impact, named dual winner of the Outstanding Engagement for Research Impact category.
Over 7,000 participants have experienced the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program – a grassroots activity whereby dads and daughters attend sessions focusing on physical activity, sports skills, developing social-emotional skills and overcoming gender inequities while strengthening the bond between dads and their daughters.
Empowering girls at a young age leads to better outcomes later in life, equipping the next generation of women to strive for their goals with their fathers as their advocates.
Five sport-specific variations have been developed in partnership with state and national sporting organisations with the program receiving global recognition and accolades for research excellence and benefitting society, including commendation by the World Health Organization.
Daughters and Dads Empowered Program team members (l-r) Kirsten Smith, Dr Lee Ashton, Dan Lee and Professor Phil Morgan.
Professor Morgan is a member of HMRI’s Active Living and Learning Research Program.
You can read more about the transformative Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program here:
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.