Closing the gender gap in physical activity: Celebrating International Women's Day in Greater Manchester

By Lauren Wood, Marketing and Communications Lead - GM Moving | 08 March 2023 | TAGS: Women and girls, "International women's day", Lauren Wood

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the amazing achievements of women in movement, physical activity and sport. We also recognise the work that still needs to be done to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

The latest data on gender differences in activity levels

According to the most recent data, the gap between male and female inactivity in Greater Manchester is 2.8% and this is narrowing, having reduced by 0.3% since November 2015/16 (with updated data due to be released in the coming months).

While this is a persistent challenge, there are a number of initiatives and commitments underway to reduce these inequalities and barriers to activity and create a more active, inclusive, and equitable region.

Reducing inequalities through community-based initiatives

GreaterSport is committed to reducing gender inequalities in movement, physical activity and sport by supporting community-based initiatives that engage and empower women and other under-represented groups.

Through Sport England’s Together Fund, we support activity groups such as Fit4Life in Bolton and the Pakeeza Women’s Group in Rochdale that help women move more, and through our Right to the Streets project we are working with Trafford Council, Open Data Manchester, and other local partners to make streets and public spaces in Trafford safer and more welcoming for women.

Challenging stereotypes and the 'enjoyment gap'

At the heart of these efforts is the recognition that physical activity is not just about fitness, but also about social connection, mental health, and enjoyment.

Unfortunately, there are still stereotypes and cultural barriers that prevent women and girls from participating in movement, physical activity, and sport.

Research by Women in Sport has shown that girls as young as six are already internalising negative stereotypes about their abilities, which can prevent them from pursuing their dreams in sports.

Similar research from This Girl Can shows that 2.4 million fewer women than men enjoy exercise. We all have a responsibility to tackle these issues and create the conditions for women and girls to enjoy physical activity.

By closing the gender gap in physical activity, and challenging stereotypes and barriers, we can empower women and girls to reach their full potential, improve their health and well-being, and build stronger communities.

Join the movement

If you want to get involved, there are a number of ways to take action:

• Check out the GM Moving website for more information on local initiatives, events, and resources.
• Educate yourself on why young girls don't feel they belong in sport and how Women in Sport suggest we tackle this.
• Support This Girl Can's latest campaign and help to close the enjoyment gap.

Together, we can create a more active, inclusive, and equitable Greater Manchester.