Women’s participation in sports has seen remarkable progress over the years, yet significant barriers still remain. Despite the many benefits of sports, ranging from physical fitness to mental well-being, numerous challenges hinder women’s full and active engagement in sports activities. Issues such as period stigma, dealing with your period during sports, the availability of menstrual hygiene products, and broader inclusivity concerns are key obstacles that need addressing. Citron Hygiene, through its partnership with Youth Sports Trust and its menstrual health solutions, is dedicated to breaking these barriers and promoting period dignity in sports.
This article will focus on the various challenges faced by women in sports, including participation barriers, period-related issues, and the lack of inclusivity. We will also highlight ongoing efforts to address these challenges and provide actionable solutions for promoting period dignity and inclusivity in sports, with a look at how Citron Hygiene is supporting female athletes, and how your business can too.
Table of Contents
Participation in Sports
Facts and Figures
The participation of women in sports has steadily increased, but the numbers still reflect a gap when compared to male participation. In research by Sport England, they found that there are overall 313,600 less women than men who are regularly active. According to Women in Sport, only 8% of girls aged 14-16 are meeting the recommended activity levels, compared to 16% of boys. Moreover, 41% of girls aged 7-16 have regularly participated in sports, but this number drops significantly during adolescence. In women aged 16 or over, 39% are not active enough compared to 35% of men.
The benefits of engaging in sports or staying active extend beyond physical health, contributing to improved mental health, higher academic performance, and the development of leadership skills, and therefore needs to be encouraged at all stages of life – no matter your gender. For instance, a report by the Women’s Sports Foundation indicates that girls who participate in sports are more likely to graduate from college and have higher levels of confidence.
Long term, staying active can also reduce the risk of health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cancer however unfortunately women in sports face many barriers, explaining the differences in levels of participation between men and women.
What’s Stopping Women from Participating in Sports & Staying Active?
Period Stigma and Accessibility to Menstrual Products
One of the most significant barriers to women’s participation in sports is period stigma and the accessibility of menstrual products. A survey by Plan International found that 58% of UK girls aged 14-21 feel embarrassed because of their periods. This embarrassment often leads to decreased participation in physical activities, especially sports.
The availability and accessibility of menstrual products in sports facilities is another critical issue. Without proper access to sanitary products, many women and girls are forced to skip sports activities during their menstrual cycle. This is where organisations like Citron Hygiene are making a difference by ensuring that sports facilities are equipped with the necessary menstrual health products to support female athletes.
Menstruation & Sports Participation
Periods and menstrual health significantly affect women’s sports participation. Many women experience discomfort, pain, and fatigue during their menstrual cycle, which can deter them from engaging in physical activities, and studies have been done into how hormone fluctuations impact recovery rates depending on the menstrual cycle stage. Additionally, the fear of leakage and the lack of proper facilities, such as sanitary waste bins, to change menstrual products contributes to anxiety and reluctance to participate in sports.
Cost of Living and Accessibility
The cost of living also plays a role in women’s sports participation. Economic barriers can limit access to sports facilities, equipment, and even menstrual products. For families with limited financial resources, prioritising spending on sports may be challenging, especially when there are additional costs for menstrual health products.
Inclusivity and Representation
Inclusivity and representation in sports remain critical issues. Many sports organisations and clubs still lack policies and infrastructure that support the diverse needs of female athletes. This includes everything from coaching styles to the availability of gender-specific sports programs. The lack of female role models and mentors in sports also contributes to the lower participation rates among women and girls.
Lack of Time
While men and women have equal desires to be involved in caring responsibilities – for children and adults, the reality is far from this. There has been a shift in traditional views of gender roles, but this has not impacted actual behaviours to the same extent. In fact, women are 8 times more likely to play the primary role in caring for children.
As a result, this impacts the amount of time that is available to play sport or lead an active lifestyle, especially when balancing this with work too.
What is Already Being Done?
Industry Changes and Initiatives
The sports industry has begun to acknowledge and address some of these challenges. For example, the All England Club, which organises Wimbledon, recently relaxed its dress code to allow female players to wear dark-coloured undershorts, addressing concerns about period leakage during matches. This change reflects a broader trend towards accommodating the specific needs of female athletes.
Similarly, other sports organisations are making strides in promoting inclusivity and supporting female athletes. The introduction of gender-neutral uniforms and the implementation of period-friendly policies in schools and sports clubs are just a few examples of how the industry is evolving to support women in sports.
Stories from the Press
Numerous stories highlight the progress being made. For instance, professional football teams in Europe have started providing free menstrual products to their female players. Additionally, grassroots organisations are working to educate young girls about menstrual health and its impact on sports participation. These initiatives are crucial in normalising conversations about menstrual health in sports and ensuring that female athletes have the support they need to thrive.
How to Support Period Equality & Dignity in Sports?
Supporting Period Equality in Sports Clubs and Organizations
Sports clubs and organisations play a vital role in promoting period equality and dignity. Providing free and accessible menstrual products in sports facilities is a fundamental step to ensures that no female athlete has to miss out on sports due to the lack of sanitary products.
Additionally, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where menstrual health is openly discussed can help reduce the stigma associated with periods. Educating coaches, staff, and athletes about menstrual health and its impact on performance can foster a more understanding and supportive sports community.
Citron Hygiene’s Period Dignity Solutions
Comprehensive Menstrual Health Solutions
Citron Hygiene is at the forefront of promoting period dignity in sports. Through our partnership with Youth Sports Trust, Citron Hygiene is actively working to break down barriers and support female athletes. We provide comprehensive sanitary hygiene solutions, including sanitary bins, sanitary bags and Aunt Flow sanitary product dispensers for sports and leisure facilities, ensuring that female athletes have access to the products they need.
Partnership with Youth Sports Trust
Through our partnership with Youth Sports Trust, Citron Hygiene is committed to promoting period dignity and inclusivity in sports. This partnership aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by female athletes and to provide the necessary resources and support to overcome these barriers.
Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Citron Hygiene also focuses on raising awareness about the importance of menstrual health in sports. By advocating for period dignity and supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity, we are helping to create a more equitable and supportive environment for female athletes.
Score Big with Citron Hygiene: Championing Period Dignity in Sports
Supporting women and inclusivity in sports is not only a moral need but also a strategic advantage for sports clubs, gyms, stadiums and other sports facilities. By investing in period dignity solutions and promoting a supportive environment for female athletes, sports organisations can attract and retain talented athletes, enhance their reputation, and contribute to the overall well-being of their community.
Citron Hygiene’s comprehensive sanitary hygiene solutions are designed to support sports clubs and organisations in achieving these goals. By partnering with Citron Hygiene, sports organisations can ensure that they are providing the best possible environment for their female athletes, promoting inclusivity, and supporting period dignity in sports.
Find out more about our sanitary bin services and hygiene solutions.
