Women’s sports in Wales set to receive a boost this International Women’s Day as Cymru Women’s Sport campaign for better facilities. The chair, Professor Leigh Robinson, emphasizes the importance of providing improved amenities for women and girls who participate in sports across the country.
Cymru Women’s Sport (CWS) is at the forefront of advocating for a fair and inclusive sporting environment for women and girls in Wales. Through their pillars of Connect, Celebrate, and Advocate, they aim to drive substantial change in the sector. The focus has shifted towards addressing the fundamental barriers preventing women and girls from engaging in sports and physical activities.
The lack of adequate facilities at grassroots sporting venues emerges as a significant obstacle for female participants. Issues such as inadequate toilets and changing rooms pose challenges that hinder women and girls from fully enjoying their sporting experiences. The absence of suitable facilities not only creates inconvenience but also acts as a deterrent to participation.
In many cases, women’s facilities are overlooked or non-existent, forcing female athletes to compromise on their comfort and hygiene. The disparity in facilities between men and women, with men often having more accessible options, highlights the need for urgent action to level the playing field. Cymru Women’s Sport stresses the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Changing rooms at grassroots venues are often ill-equipped or entirely absent, leaving female players with limited options for preparing before or after games. The lack of privacy, suitable sanitation facilities, and proper lighting further contribute to the challenges faced by women and girls in sports. It is essential to prioritise the provision of safe, clean, and accessible spaces for all athletes.
While the focus is on enhancing facilities for women and girls, it is important to recognise that inadequate amenities impact male participants as well. The call for better facilities transcends gender boundaries, emphasising the universal need for quality sporting infrastructure. Everyone deserves to have access to facilities that meet basic standards of cleanliness, safety, and privacy.
By addressing the shortcomings in current facilities, Cymru Women’s Sport aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women and girls in sports. As advocates for change, they are committed to engaging with stakeholders, including National Governing Bodies of sport, Welsh Government, and Sport Wales, to drive the necessary improvements. Their goal is to pave the way for future generations of women and girls to participate in sports without facing unnecessary obstacles.
As 2025 marks a significant year for elite women’s sports in Wales, with major events on the horizon, the push for better facilities at grassroots levels gains momentum. Cymru Women’s Sport urges individuals to share their experiences and insights on changing facilities in Wales to strengthen their advocacy efforts. By amplifying these voices, they aim to effect meaningful change that will benefit the entire sporting community.
International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the work still to be done towards achieving equality in sports. Cymru Women’s Sport’s mission to elevate the status of women and girls in sports underscores the ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape. Through collaborative efforts and persistent advocacy, we can strive towards a future where women and girls have equal opportunities to pursue their sporting passions.