On Tuesday 8th October 2024 Women in Sport celebrated the charity’s 40th anniversary at a special event in Parliament. In the heart of Westminster, we brought together influential voices from politics and the sports sector to recognise the achievements of our charity so far, and to reaffirm the need for further action. More still needs to be done if women and girls are to be able to take their rightful place in sport.
Becky Adlington OLY, Marsha de Cordova MP, Tessa Sanderson OLY, Dawn Butler MP and Kim Johnson MP
We were thrilled to welcome 42 parliamentarians including those who have a done a great deal already to champion women and girls’ rights: Tonia Antoniazzi MP our host, Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Kim Leadbeater MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP DBE, and Munira Wilson MP..
Jeanette Bain-Burnett, Executive Director of Policy and Integrity at Sport England spoke about her passion for the cause and why it matters for the health of women across the country; Women in Sport trustee and England rugby legend Brian Moore appealed for a culture change that normalised girls playing sport; and Tessa Sanderson CBE, who is also celebrating 40 years since her historic Olympic gold in javelin, ended with an appeal to let us play.
Former England rugby international and Women in Sport Trustee Brian Moore
We were also fortunate to be joined by one of our incredible founders, Anita White OBE, our Patron, Olympic champion swimmer and commentator Becky Adlington OBE, and long-time ambassador Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson DBE.
As we look to the future, we’re working hard to make sport a more equal, safer, and fairer space for women and girls. Here’s what we’re calling for:
- Gender budgeting: Sports organisations must allocate funds equally between men’s and women’s sport.
- 50/50 leadership: Organisations receiving public money should target 50% female representation on their boards.
- Legislation against misogyny: Legislation and mandatory training for sports organisations receiving government funding to tackle misogyny and discrimination.
- Independent Regulator for Sport: A dedicated body should be established to address abuse in sport, particularly as it disproportionately impacts women and girls.
We won’t rest until every woman and girl feels safe, welcomed, and valued in sport.
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of Women in Sport
Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO of Women in Sport said: “For 40 years some brilliant people have worked incredibly hard to drive change through Women in Sport. It was a proud moment to be in Parliament to recognise their work. In 1984 our founders had a vision – to give all women and girls the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and life-long benefits of sport. These courageous women were intent upon tackling systemic inequality and we applaud the progress made. We also know we are not there yet. Alongside our partners, our supporters and growing number of male allies we remain committed to driving positive and long-lasting change and we won’t rest until every woman and girl feels safe, welcomed, and valued in sport.”
Dr Anita White, one of our Co-Founders, speaking to the current Women in Sport team. Photos by Broni Lloyd-Edwards.
