The Last Bastion

A History of Women in Sport 1984-2024

To mark Women in Sport’s fortieth anniversary, we wanted to capture our charity’s story in a way that reflects the intelligence, courage and tenacity of its founders.

With the help of the incredibly talented author Rachel Hewitt, we embarked on a journey to uncover 40 years of research and campaigning for women and girls in sport.

The Last Bastion was the result.

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‘This charity’s story is extraordinary, enraging and inspiring. I am a long-time supporter of Women in Sport and the vital work that they have done and will continue to do.’ – Judy Murray OBE

In the book, we uncover…

• More about the remarkable women who united to create a movement for change, driven by the deep inequalities faced by women and girls in sport at all levels.
• The shocking history of women’s exclusion from sport – including Olympic bans, media objectification and how the Sex Discrimination Act, designed to promote equality, was used to keep women out of some sports.
• How teenage girls have been systemically pushed out of sport for decades and why it’s more urgent than ever to keep them engaged
• Why the fight for equality is not yet done. We reveal some of the biggest challenges facing women’s sport today and why our commitment to create positive, long lasting change is stronger than ever.

THE LAST BASTION PREVIEW

Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, was nearly removed mid-race. Credit: Kathrine Switzer Marathon Woman

“For any lover of sport, Rachel Hewitt’s book is essential reading. Her forensic detailing of the way in which barriers, both subtle and aggressive, have been erected to prevent women from participating in sport and exercise is both mind-boggling and infuriating.”– Jim Carter OBE, Actor and Hampstead Women’s Cricket Club Founder