This Girl Can campaign turns its attention to tackling the exercise ‘Enjoyment Gap’

This Girl Can, Sport England’s flagship campaign to help women get active, is turning its attention to tackling the exercise ‘Enjoyment Gap’ – as it reveals 2.4 million fewer women than men enjoy sport and physical activity.

Research released today (Tuesday 28 February) as part of a new campaign phase, ‘This Girl Can With You’, highlights the barriers faced by women when getting active, with key concerns including safety, fear of judgement and the cost of living.

‘This Girl Can With You’ is a call-to-arms for sport and activity providers to dismantle the barriers that contribute to the Enjoyment Gap. Enjoyment is one of the biggest motivators for people to take part in sport and physical activity – and with less than 60% of women active compared to over 63% of men, closing the Enjoyment Gap is an important step towards tackling the stubborn gender activity gap.

This Girl Can has identified four action areas with the power to dismantle barriers, help women enjoy getting active, and close the Gap. Activities for women must be Social (help women feel part of a community), Suitable (meet women’s needs), Self-Affirming (help women feel confident) and Safe (women must feel physically and emotionally safe when taking part).