Nicola Adams backs ‘This Girl Can With You’ initiative for women in sport

As women’s sport has evolved from the days when they had to share ring gear at tournaments, two-time Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams says there are still too many “barriers” for women to overcome.

“I’ve been called all sorts of names as a boxer,” Adams said of the latest This Girl Can initiative.

“Unfortunately, there are still so many barriers that women and girls face.”

Recent research shows that 2.4 million fewer women than men enjoy sport and physical activity, a discrepancy dubbed the “enjoyment gap” by Sport England’s This Girl Can coordinators.

Adams says inequality has been something she’s struggled with for much of her career, and while she acknowledges things have improved, the 40-year-old says there’s still a lot more work to be done.

“For a long time there was very little money in women’s boxing, so much so that earlier in tournaments, fighters had to share a jersey,” she said.

“I remember being asked regularly to choose another sport or career.

“It’s no wonder there’s such a huge gap between women and men who enjoy exercise compared to men.

“But at the same time, there are a lot of organizations out there that are doing great work to support women.”

According to This Girl Can, women’s participation in sport is hampered by a number of factors, including fears of sexual harassment – three in 10 say they have experienced harassment firsthand – and the cost of living crisis.

His research also shows that nearly two in five women – 38% – worry about being judged while exercising, with issues such as body image, menstrual periods, tight clothing and a lack of confidence.

Additionally, one in three women (33%) feel too tired or don’t have enough energy to be physically active, while a similar number cite problems with motivation and can’t find the time.

Adams helped launch the This Girl Can With You initiative with an interactive boxing experience in London on Monday – an attempt to encourage women to exercise or exercise together.

“I still exercise most days because it helps me feel good and reduces stress,” she said.

“I’m a big advocate of encouraging women and girls to make sure they get active in whatever way it works for them.”

The organizers of This Girl Can With You have identified four S’s – sociality, fitness, self-affirmation and safety – as key categories that sports providers need to address in order to increase female participation.

“Women deserve to be as active as men. We want all women to reap the physical, mental and social rewards of an active life,” said Kate Dale, Sport England’s Head of Marketing.

“From security concerns to heightened anxiety fueled by the cost of living crisis, the barriers women and girls face in 2023 are large and deeply embedded in our society.

“There are already organizations out there doing brilliant things and we want to spread the word and get more people to join us.”