Posted on March 15 2024
The theme for the whole of March is inspired by International Women’s Day theme - Inspire Inclusivity. Last week we took a dive into the yoga industry and its efforts to include and empower women of all body shapes, backgrounds and abilities. This week, we look at inclusivity in sport for women. The rising profile of women’s sport can only be a good thing, but how does it translate to women accessing sport and movement in their day-to-day? Here we shine a spotlight on organisations, individuals and articles that champion participation for women and girls in sport.
First to mention is Women in Sport, founded in 1984 (40 years ago!) this charity has existed from day one to address the inequality in access to sport, as well as aspirations for young women and girls wanting to pursue their sporting passions.
“Not only do we believe in girls and women having access to fair and safe sport for the joy, fulfilment and lifelong benefits it offers, but we care about this because it can address health inequalities and help society to thrive.”
They want no-one to be excluded from the opportunity to explore their sporting enjoyment, talents and benefits of movement. Their campaigning has been instrumental in supporting the rising profile of women’s sport, paving the way for the next generation, and acting as a beacon of light to women of all ages to participate in their sport of choice.
Impossible to miss in the past 3 years has been the rise in profile of women’s football here in the UK. Across the world during the FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Women’s Euros 2022, where England left victorious on home soil, there has been electricity in the air ever since. According to a study by Our Sporting Life, 1 in 7 women in the UK play on a football team. Since December 2022, 777,000 girls play football, up from 669,00 just 4 years earlier. This vast increase is testament to the power of profiling women’s sport, giving it the airtime (literally!) and celebrating the incredible talent in women’s football.
Watching the Lionesses take on each game has been a cultural tide-changer, knowing their impact on young girls and women inspired to get involved in sport at any level. Reflected in their secured Government pledge to deliver a minimum of 2 hours of PE per week to both boys and girls in schools, with the aim of levelling out the opportunity for the next generation is the Lionesses’ legacy.
“By making football more accessible to millions of girls across the nation, we have opened a crucial door for the growth of women’s football and women’s sport as a whole. I am proud to be part of something that will live on for generations to come. This is just the beginning.” - Lotte Wubben-Moy, England and Arsenal defender.
So we turn to our community, ambassadors and customers who choose consciously an active lifestyle, who pursue their chosen sport with a genuine love for it. Eliza, @thewarriormethod is a regular parkrunner and champion of new mums, women of all ages to approach running with curiosity, celebrating the wins at every stage, and all-round hype woman for moving more.
“When it comes to running, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to be fast - or even fit - to run. Running can be so many things for so many people. It can be fitness, it can be headspace, it can become a community, or a way to explore your surroundings. Or simple time for you to switch off and enjoy moving”.
Want to find a group or team? Look to your local teams, football, rugby, cricket, running, cycling, swimming, and the vast majority will now offer a women’s team. If they don’t have one… make one! The development of these clubs for women not only offers a safe space for women to exercise, but also to connect and build a network of like minded women of all ages. This weekend, I’ll be heading to a women’s running group - These Girls Run for the first time, keep an eye out for my experience there.
It’s thanks to the pioneers of women’s sport that we have the access and opportunity to immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of sport.
