Oral evidenceSelect & Joint CommitteesWednesday, 3 June 202614:00

Women and Equalities Committee: Beyond participation: Routes into sport for girls and women

Committee hears from witnesses

The Women and Equalities Committee is taking oral evidence on barriers preventing girls and women from accessing and progressing in sport. The inquiry examines not just participation rates but the practical pathways that would help more women and girls take up sport and develop into coaches, officials, and athletes. This matters because despite decades of investment, women remain significantly underrepresented across competitive sport, grassroots provision, and sports leadership.

Sport is a major public health and social policy area affecting millions of girls and women. Low participation rates among females contribute to poorer health outcomes, reduced social engagement, and the loss of untapped talent in competitive sport. The findings will inform how sports bodies, schools, and local authorities allocate resources and remove barriers to female participation.

Education Culture & Community

Committee mentioned:Women and Equalities Committee