UK unites to champion women’s sport equality

Leading sports bodies and figures have joined forces in a historic pledge to propel the UK to the forefront of women’s and girls’ sport. This ambitious initiative aims to tackle inequality and boost participation, coverage, and leadership across the nation.

Sport in the UK has come together in an unprecedented collaboration to establish the country as the global leader in women’s and girls’ sport. The Equal Sport Project unites major organisations behind five core ambitions designed to accelerate gender equality from grassroots levels to elite arenas.

Prominent groups including the FA, RFU, Youth Sport Trust, England Netball, UK Sport, LTA, Women’s Sport Trust, Women in Sport, Team GB, and Sport England have committed to specific pledges supporting this cause. Additionally, broadcasters and commercial brands are backing the initiative, with many more encouraged to join in the coming years.

The project launch occurs amid a peak in momentum for women’s sport, with rising participation, growing audiences, and increased investment. Yet, significant disparities remain: fewer than 1% of women in sport believe gender equality has been achieved, and women’s sport receives just 9% of broadcast coverage on major channels. Gender stereotypes and unequal facilities continue to hinder participation, reflected in the persistent gap between active girls and boys.

The Equal Sport Project focuses on five key areas demanding collective leadership and investment:

Equal access to sport for girls in schools
Parity in relevance, reach and revenue for women’s sport
A balanced workforce throughout the sector
Governance structures redesigned to promote equality
Equal access to sports facilities

Several organisations, including Brighton and Hove Albion FC, the WSL, British Rowing, and educational leaders, have pledged support aligned with these priorities. The initiative invites all stakeholders passionate about women’s sport to commit measurable action over the next two years. The project’s architects believe the UK is uniquely positioned to lead this transformative era, capitalising on elite success, public enthusiasm, and commercial confidence. Realising this vision promises not only economic and reputational gains but also enhanced health, wellbeing, and empowerment for women and girls nationwide. Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair of England Netball, emphasised the necessity of systemic redesign, stating, "Equality will not happen by accident. It requires leadership, ambition and a willingness to redesign the system so that women and girls are considered from the very beginning." Sally Munday, CEO of UK Sport, highlighted the importance of sustained collective effort to build on progress and dismantle remaining barriers. Simon Hayes, CEO of Sport England, called for united action, recognising that no single organisation can address these challenges alone. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated government support, citing investments in grassroots facilities, upcoming major events like the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ, and bids to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Together, through the Equal Sport Project, the UK aims to create a fairer, more inclusive sporting landscape where every woman and girl can thrive, compete, and lead.