Sport is there for us through thick and thin. Maybe the only thing that is just as unwavering is the community that comes with sport.
Not feeling up for it one day? Your friends will gently encourage you and before you know it, you’re fully immersed.
Women all over the world have found strength and community through sport, and we’re inspiring mums, mother figures, and daughters to do just that during #TimeTogether.
84 %
of women 45-60 who are not meeting activity guidelines would like to be more active
Women in Sport (2018) Menopause, Me and Physical Activity
7 in 10 women
tell us their menopause symptoms have a moderate-severe impact on quality of life
Women in Sport (2018) Menopause, Me and Physical Activity
That’s exactly what Bhavini did after her cricket club shut down permanently during lockdown. Each week, she inspires other women and her girls in her community to pick up a bat and get involved.
“I feel it’s really important to have it as a medium to connect with other women, especially in the south Asian community, where women are prone to be less active.” says Bhavini.
But it wasn’t plain sailing to get to the point of running her own club. After the traumatic birth of her second child, she experienced health complications which left her fighting for her life. At her worst, she relied on a ventilation machine to breathe.
The difficult birth hugely impacted Bhavini’s ability to exercise, but she was adamant that it would not stop her being active in the long run.
She took it step by step, first trying walking and then Zumba. She eventually landed on cricket and soon found a home in a sport she loved.
Bhavini’s strength and determination has inspired her daughter Shreya to take up cricket too. Now, they play together every week at the club Bhavini set up.
We know many women face barriers to exercise, and particularly in midlife. 7 in 10 women tell us that their menopause symptoms have had a moderate-severe impact on their quality of life.
Yet 84% of women in this life stage tell us would like to be more active. The intention is there, but physical and societal barriers make it difficult for women to prioritise sport at this time.
Caring for children and elderly relatives, whilst likely being at the peak of their careers often means that their needs are pushed right to the bottom of the to-do list.
So, how can we shift the status quo and make sure women are looking out for their mental and physical health?
"With cricket it’s that one day where we put everything aside and get to see everyone and play together."
This October, we’re encouraging mums (as well as aunties, stepmums and grandmas) to get active by spending #TimeTogether with their teenage daughters. 48% of teenage girls tell us their mum is their biggest motivator when it comes to exercise.
By getting moving with trusted female family members, women and girls get to experience the joy, freedom and camaraderie exercise can bring, so they too can find strength through sport.
To hear from other mums and daughters, and to get involved, check out our #TimeTogether page.
Video sponsored by Vitality.
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