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Women's Sport Week 2015 #WSW2015: Disabled women less active than disabled men

It is the stark reality that disabled women are significantly less likely to be involved in sport and physical activity than disabled men. During Women's Sport Week, the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is recognising active disabled women and the need for new opportunities to encourage more to take up sport.

The week which runs from 1 – 7 June 2015 is an opportunity for everybody involved with playing, delivering, leading or working in sport to celebrate, raise awareness and increase the profile of women’s sport across the UK. It is supported by many partners, including National Governing Bodies, Sky Sports, the BBC, Sport England and others from across the sport sector.

The Lifestyle Report released in September 2013 by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) revealed that disabled women are less active than disabled men. Findings showed: 

  • Disabled women are significantly less likely to have sport or physical activity related hobbies than disabled men.
  • Only four in ten (42%) of disabled women see themselves as sporty compared to six in ten (60%) of disabled men.
  • Seven in ten (73%) of disabled women enjoyed the last time they played sport compared to eight in ten (84%) of disabled men.
  • Four in ten (39%) of disabled women do not take part in sport or physical activity because of a lack of opportunities.

Emma Spring, Research and Insight Manager for EFDS said:

“There has been a huge focus on elite level participation and the Paralympics produced fantastic female role models, but the insight is showing us that there is still some significant change required at the grassroots level to drive disabled women's participation. The fact that disabled women's participation in sport is much lower than disabled men is a concern, especially as the benefits of physical activity to health and well being are widely known."

The Lifestyle Report also highlighted a number of notable findings which present opportunities for policymakers and sports providers indicating that:

  • Disabled women are less likely to take part in sport or physical activity in clubs or competitions; instead they are more likely to take part alone.
  • Just over half (57%) disabled women see themselves as competitive compared to seven in ten (69%) of disabled men.
  • Disabled women find opportunities described as recreation more appealing than those described as sport.
  • Four in ten (43%) of disabled women have a family member as a role model, compared to only three in ten (28%) of disabled men
  • Disabled women are more likely to be attracted by sport or physical activity which is moderately energetic, indoors, focused on fun and enjoyment with music playing where you arrive ready to take part.

In January 2015, figures released for Sport England’s Active People Survey 8 showed 121,700 fewer disabled people participated in the period October 2013-2014 since the previous recording. The main reductions were in swimming, athletics and fitness and conditioning. The gap between non-disabled and disabled people’s participation has widened, with less than half the number of disabled people taking part in sport or physical activity for 30 minutes once a week, compared to non-disabled people.

However, research shows that most disabled people are not as active as they would like to be and that demand is not being met. The same EFDS Lifestyle Report found that seven in ten disabled people want to increase their physical activity.

In February, EFDS launched its Charter for Change as a result of the charity and its partners’ rising concern over the low participation rates, as well as the increased gap between disabled people's and non-disabled people’s activity.

At the launch, EFDS Honorary President and former Paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson called for people to back the Charter:

“Being active has so many social, health and economic benefits for everyone. So it is concerning that more organisations do not prioritise disabled people’s activity in their work. We know it is not one simple change needed to improve the continual low numbers of active disabled people. It could involve many short or long term changes.”

During Women’s Sport Week, EFDS is asking those in sport to include disabled women in their communications and opportunity promotions.

You can read our stories on active disabled women for #ThisGirlCan here.

You can find out more about Women’s Sport Week on their dedicated campaign website, and join the conversation on social media using #WSW2015.