Periods, sports bras, menopause, equality, white kit, sexism, misogynistic behaviour, fairness, sponsorship - we are talking about it all within the ‘women’s sport’ context these days and I am right here for it!
We’re on a path where soon (ish) we’ll just be talking about ‘sport’ rather than ‘women’s sport’ and I’m committed to helping to get to that point sooner rather than later.
One thing we are not talking about though (and surprise, surprise I am taking up the mantle!) is facilities.
Not for the first time either! Check our blog #11 !
Think about the sports facilities you have visited this week. Were there sanitary bins in every cubicle? Was there suitable lighting in the car park? Did you work out without being checked out or worse, filmed? Did you get your booked court on time or were there football / badminton / table tennis running over? Were your netball posts put out correctly? (A particular pet peeve of mine!)
About 18 months ago I had a bit of an epiphany and decided enough was enough!
Week after week, session after session, there was always SOMETHING I had to battle -
🏸 Male badminton players getting sh*tty when I’ve asked them politely to wait outside for their start time, whilst my (vulnerable) group were cooling down
🔒 Locks on female toilets being broken and not fixed for over a year
🏊♀️ Sports halls not being ready on time as leisure attendants are doubling up as lifeguards
💻 Receptionists not up to date on what’s happening in their Leisure Centre
✍️ Sports Halls being used for exams
✂️ Scissors left at foot of a post ready for Mums & Tots Netball to start!
Unfortunately there are heaps more examples but I’d like you to reach the end of my blog, rather than fall asleep!
I’ve been on a bit of a crusade since, meeting with just about any decision maker or influencer who will listen! This has included the Leader of my local Council, my local MP and councillors from various local parties.
The majority, I am pleased to say, have listened to hear rather than listened to respond. I have learnt during this process they are very different things!
I have also learnt that the wheels of democracy are a lot slower than my normal pace. Patience is not one of my strengths!
Trying to explain and evidence my thoughts of why these problems keep cropping up is my biggest challenge.
I have no qualms in stating that many (but not all) of my experiences are entrenched in misogyny. The attitudes and behaviours of mainly white, middle aged men (a sweeping statement I know, but it is my lived experience) is so out of touch I’ve been speechless in disbelief.
Proving it and explaining it is so challenging though.
‘Misogyny is a way of thinking that upholds the primary status of men and sense of male entitlement while subordinating women and limiting their power and freedom. It’s about making women condone and stay in line’ - Baroness Helena Kennedy.
My biggest achievement during this time is successfully writing a Full Council Motion aiming to improve provision in the local area’s sport and leisure facilities for women and girls.
Unfortunately the only positive outcome, so far, from this motion being passed, is I am no longer called ‘Love’ by staff members of the organisation the council contracts to run local sports facilities!
My feeling is, that is because I was able to evidence it - the organisation in question even checked CCTV!
Other outcomes are pending…….
There has been no communication, publicity or directly, on any of the resolutions passed by the Council last November.
Namely
* To work with education establishments to ensure equality in their community use sports facilities, support and find solutions to facility issues and ensure these issues do not impact on pupil / student sports participation.
• Review and seek to increase the provision of space for female sports participants.
• Gain insight and educate sports and leisure facility providers on the historical sexist and misogynistic attitudes towards women and girls in sport, in an attempt to end behaviour and attitudes that pose a barrier to Portsmouth female participation in sport and activity.
Education is key.
I don’t in any way shape or form believe that the experiences I have had or the treatment I have received has been malicious. It stems, rather, from tradition, out of date attitudes and ignorance.
The most positive responses I have had is when I’ve actually called out this sexist or misogynistic behaviour. I’ve picked my moment (although I acknowledge this in itself isn’t ideal) but the results have been apologies and realisation that language used needs to be more considered.
Let’s keep calling out this behaviour and these attitudes! Without takin such action change won’t happen!
Perhaps more succinctly explained here! https://www.businessandindustry.co.uk/sport/what-does-a-truly-female-friendly-leisure-centre-look-like/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0K8EnJt7SWQMOfX_uyTu70Jrt-7t7FmOl7kiLzemiNftqVnM7ag84UHgo_aem_5bU1z9EQddEupc7XDYP6ng
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