Sporting equality

A summit to increase media coverage of women in sport and encourage girls to be more active has been recommended in a report.

An expert group says women and girls will be more likely to take up a sport or exercise if there is increased reporting of top athletes and events in the media.

The group, which is made up of leaders from sport, business and media, has recommended a Scottish Sport Media Summit is established to review and challenge the nature and extent of existing media coverage in Scotland.

The report, which comes at the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2019, also highlights the need for greater gender balance in leadership and management roles across Scottish sport.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said:

“Recent high profile sporting events such as FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Solheim Cup and the Vitality Netball World Cup have been watched, enjoyed and experienced by huge audiences. The increased visibility has not only shone a light on inspirational role models but has led to a rise in participation.

“There is much to be proud of and by accepting the Board’s recommendations we will work towards a level playing field where everyone is treated fairly and can achieve their full potential.”

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board Chair Amanda Jones said:

“We passionately believe that measures to increase activity levels of women and girls will make Scotland a better place to live for all.

“Our recommendations in this report are challenging but we commend them to the Scottish Government.

“The summer of 2019 was a momentous time for women’s sport both in Scotland and globally. It is important that we continue to build from that.”

Background

The report was produced by the Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board which was established in October 2017 to provide independent advice to Ministers on female participation and awareness raising in all areas of sport and physical activity.

Women and Girls in Sport Week runs until 4 October. To follow the week’s events on social media use #SheCanSheWill