Government urged to tackle misogyny in sport

The Government will today be urged to tackle “deeply misogynistic behaviours” in British sport and introduce new regulation to safeguard female athletes.

A House of Commons debate, which has been proposed by Alex Davies-jones, the MP for Pontypridd, will outline “sexist, homophobic and misogynistic experiences that women have faced across a range of sports” and raise concerns over the funding and visibility during the Covid-19 crisis.

Davies-jones has reported anecdotes ranging from sexual harassment and fears over the future financial viability of women’s sport to gender stereotyping that is still making girls feel alienated from activities such as rugby and football.

“I am particularly concerned that fears around misogyny is having an impact on the number of women participating in sport,” DaviesJones will tell MPS. “If we are to reduce misogyny and sexism within sport, we must do more to encourage variety at the first opportunity. We all have a responsibility.”

Women in Sport has reported 1.5 million fewer women than men participate in sport at least once a month and there are clear gender gaps in the number of women working in sport at every level.

Davies-jones will also raise abuse allegations. “We all saw the disgraceful stories about the situation in British Gymnastics which only just scratches the surface of what is a systemic problem,” she will say. “The sports industry urgently needs more regulation. The UK Government has a responsibility to engage proactively with governing bodies to support women.”