In 2014, University of Newcastle researcher Professor Phil Morgan from the HMRI Active Living and Learning research program developed Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered flagship program to harness the father-daughter relationship to advance gender equity, empower girls and improve family well-being.
The Challenge
- Girls werenโt meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines
- Girls were facing unique barriers to develop their sports skills, confidence and self esteem
- Dads were struggling to find common ground to connect with their daughters and not enrolling in parenting programs
The Solution
The DADEE (Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered) program was developed as a world-first intervention that harnesses the unique father-daughter relationship to address declining physical activity levels and self-esteem issues amongst young girls. Recognising that fathers have a powerful and independent influence on their children’s physical, social, emotional and mental health, the program positions dads as key role models and motivators in their daughters’ lives through evidence-based parenting strategies and active engagement.
The eight-week program combines education and practical application, teaching fathers about the significance of their relationship with their daughters whilst providing opportunities for meaningful connection through physical activity.
Sessions include fun and active games and challenges designed to improve girls’ physical and social-emotional skills, covering topics such as fitness, sport skills, female role models, and addressing gender stereotypes. By emphasising “equalist” parenting principles, DADEE empowers girls to be resilient critical thinkers who can take on new challenges with persistence and bravery, using physical activity and sports as the engagement medium to create a unique platform for developing strong father-daughter bonds.
Impact
Results from a decade of rigorous research trials have proven the programโs extraordinary and sustained impact on both fathers and daughtersโ physical and mental health. Itโs also been shown to improve father-daughter relationships and family well-being for up to eight years post-program.
Program founder Professor Phil Morgan says, โThe Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program has transformed thousands of lives by providing fathers and daughters with a unique opportunity to connect and thrive together. The long-lasting benefits weโve observed highlight the power of this program to create real, sustained change for families.โ
โPut simply, for me it was life changing. Emphasising the importance of sport skills and activity levels in girls and the vital role a Dad plays in that. We will forever be grateful for the many lessons learnt and I will be a better parent as a result. A fantastic program that every father should do.โ
– Program dad
โI enjoyed learning new skills but I also liked that it taught us to have self esteem. For me the best part was spending time with my dad because he works a lot and we do not see him lots so it was really nice to be able to have time put aside to spend with him.โ
– Program daughter
The program has generated unprecedented interest and been delivered globally in innovative partnerships. Programs have been delivered from metropolitan to rural areas, including targeting disadvantaged areas. Notably, the NSW Office of Sport announced the program as a key initiative in the โHer Sport Her Wayโ Strategy (2019-2023) to improve sports participation in a NSW roll out. This $2.4M grant included developing sport-specific program variations through partnerships with peak sporting bodies to co-design and implement across the state:
- Daughters & Dads Cricket (Cricket NSW/Cricket Australia)
- Daughters & Dads Basketball (Basketball NSW)
- Daughters & Dads Football (Football NSW/NNSWF)
- Daughters & Dads Classic (Gymnastics NSW)
- Daughters & Dads Cycling (WestCycle WA)
This partnership will continue via a new $900K grant through the imminent release of Office of Sportโs next 4-year strategy for teenage girls.
Ongoing success has led to commercial partnerships with Football NSW/NNSWF, Football West and Cricket Australia. Professor Morgan has partnered with over 30 organisations to deliver the program across Australia, including government organisations (e.g. Murray Bridge Council, SA) and globally, with the program delivered in South Africa, England, Austria and Northern Ireland. For example, Women in Sport-UK rolled out across England with Football Clubs.
Next Steps
Building on its proven success, the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program is expanding its reach to engage more families across diverse communities within Australia and Internationally. Plans are underway to extend its benefits through new partnerships with schools, sports organisations, workplaces and LGAโs. The goal is to ensure every father and daughter has the opportunity to experience the transformative impact of this life-changing program.
Check out the Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered website here. Daughters & Dads Active & Empowered.
