Initiative aims to make UK a world leader in women's sport

The Equal Sport Project has been established as a new initiative to improve equality and position the UK as a global leader for women and girls in sport. Major organisations including England Netball, Team GB and the English Football Association are backing the scheme.

According to research by Sporting Insights, under 1% of women employed in the sports industry think gender equality has been reached. Furthermore, more than half of those surveyed feel they receive lower pay than men for performing identical roles.

To address these issues, the project has highlighted five key areas for investment and leadership, including equal access to facilities, school sport for girls, and a balanced workforce. The strategy also focuses on redesigned governance structures and achieving equal relevance, reach and revenue for women’s sport.

Various bodies have pledged support, with the FA and Aquatics GB focusing on female leadership programmes. UK Sport and Sport England intend to ensure their governance is designed for both men and women alongside their funding partners. The Youth Sport Trust has also promised to assist schools in tackling stereotypes and developing male allies for gender equality in physical activity.

The UK government is supporting the initiative, with sports minister Stephanie Peacock noting that while progress has occurred, there is still a significant distance to travel. She stated: "We have seen progress in women and girls' sport, but there is still a long way to go."

Ms Peacock added: "Like the Equal Sport Project, this government is backing women's sport at every level, from hosting the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart and bidding to host the 2035 Fifa Women's World Cup, to investing £400m in grassroots sport facilities, doubling priority access to football pitches for women and girls and chairing the Women's Sport Taskforce."

She concluded by saying: "We will work closely with the Equal Sport Project and encourage all organisations to get involved. Together we can make the UK a world leader in women and girls' sport."