Activity levels are bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels, but women are being left behind
Published Sport England published its latest Active Lives Adult survey report last week, which showed that overall, the number of people playing sport and being active has recovered, after participation fell due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, the data also shows that existing inequalities are widening. The 5% activity gender gap is now the biggest it’s been since […]
RFL launches Rugbees for primary aged girls following Women in Sport research
Published Inspired to take action following the launch of Women in Sport’s report into primary aged girls Sport, stereotypes and stolen dreams: Why girls still feel they don’t belong in sport, The Rugby Football League has launched a new project to break down gender stereotypes and encourage more young girls to take up the sport. […]
The Budget: more support for pools and leisure centres will help women and girls
Published The news of an extra £63million funding for community leisure centres with pools in yesterday’s Budget is welcome. Although it is not a complete solution to the challenges facing the leisure sector, it will provide the facilities most at risk of closure and cuts with the urgent funding they need this year. We know […]
The Lionesses Legacy: first steps to equality for girls in PE
Published Today, on International Women’s Day, the Government has announced more than £600 million of funding which will be invested in school sport over the next two years. The funding will support schools to offer equal access to the same range of sports for girls and boys as well as offer two hours of PE […]
Only a third of secondary school girls wear a sports bra for PE
Published Just 36% of girls aged 11-18 wear a sports bra when participating in PE or sport at school. This has a negative impact on their experience of sport, with more than two-thirds (69%) admitting they cannot jump or run about freely and 72% that they feel self-conscious about movement or bounce. International activewear brand […]
Smashing through barriers to get my black belt!
Published I’m Lisa Waterman, a mum of two and I have always secretly wanted to be a black belt in karate! Where it all started… It all started in my early teens when I watched the film Karate Kid for the first time. Apart from the self-defence aspect, the culture and teachings behind the martial […]
Jayne Haines MBE to step down as Chair of Women in Sport
Published Jayne Haines MBE is to step down as Chair and trustee of Women in Sport in March, after nine years with the charity. During that time Jayne has led the development of the Board, appointed CEO Stephanie Hilborne, and ensured a new five-year strategy is taking the mission forward. Jayne leaves to take up […]
2022 – The Year Women’s Sport Roared
Published So 2022 is drawing to a close and what a year! In February we saw women smashing the fear barriers at the Winter Olympics and some really moving scenes of camaraderie. Our memories of the Summer remain vivid too – the glory of our joyful skilful Lionesses will stay in our hearts for a […]
Girls’ Sporting Lives Stagnant Despite the Glory of the Lionesses – Action is Needed to Close the Gender Gap
Published The latest Sport England Active Lives Children and Young People 2021-22 survey records some positive headlines. Overall activity levels for children and young people appear to be returning to pre-pandemic levels. However, it is a rise in activity levels among 7-16 year-old boys that is driving the increase, with girls remaining less active than […]
Why there is no finish line for women’s rugby
Published Written by Sarah Bellew, Head of Communications and Engagement at Women in Sport. Sarah also plays touch rugby for England, and in this piece she reflects on the impact of the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cup Sport can be a cruel place, there are highs and lows, winners and losers. It is […]