Champion disabled women and girls through stronger policy

IWD 2026, under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, marks a moment to amplify our collective determination. Each year, IWD calls on us to break down the systemic inequalities holding women and girls back. But for disabled women and girls, these inequalities are multiplied. Their stories, ambitions, and needs are too often absent from mainstream gender equality conversations. Ensuring they are not overlooked is essential if we are serious about achieving equity for all women.

In February, our Head of Communications and Policy, Sarah Brown-Fraser, took part in an APPG for sport roundtable hosted by Rachel Taylor MP on women and girls in sport. The event included a call for evidence to inform a forthcoming Department for Culture, Media and Sport report on the barriers women face in accessing sport and physical activity, and the actions government should take.

Reflecting on the discussion, Sarah said:

“I was pleased to join fellow women leaders in sport to consider what more is needed. As a disabled woman, it is important to me and to our charity that individuals are recognised for their diverse backgrounds, motivations, and experiences. Too often, people are treated as a single, homogenous group, which does not reflect reality. Through our growing research portfolio, Activity Alliance can provide valuable insight to help government and the wider sector improve access for many communities. We are committed to working with others and adding our expertise to ensure that the voices and experiences of all disabled people are fully represented in these conversations.”

Inspiration alone isn't enough

Findings from A Game of Inequality: The Reality of Sporting Dreams for Young Disabled People (Activity Alliance and Women in Sport, April 2025) reveal a stark truth. The research, which surveyed nearly 1,000 young disabled people after the 2024 Paris Paralympics, highlights a clear desire among disabled children and teenagers to be active. Two thirds said the Games inspired them to try new sports. Yet inspiration alone isn’t enough. Many face deep-rooted persistent barriers. That’s from not knowing where to find opportunities, to local provision being inaccessible, to costs, to a lack of tailored support. For disabled girls, these challenges are compounded by gender-based stereotypes and expectations.

One of the report’s most concerning findings is the dream deficit. Young disabled people are already 6% less likely to dream of becoming top athletes compared with their non‑disabled peers, but the gender gap is far wider. Only 36% of disabled girls dream of reaching elite sport, compared with 61% of disabled boys. This gender divide reflects how exclusion and invisibility shape girls’ aspirations long before they have a chance to step onto a track or into a pool.

This isn’t just about elite sport, it’s about belonging. The report shows that 65% of disabled girls don’t feel sport is for them, and one in five say they never see people like them represented. Representation matters, when girls do not see disabled women athletes, coaches, or leaders, they believe that sports are not a space where they are expected or welcomed to succeed.

Mental health is a powerful motivator, particularly for disabled girls and 43% say improved wellbeing drives their desire to be active. Yet psychological barriers also show in fear of judgment, lack of confidence, and worries about safety prevent many from participating. It is the environment around them not their impairment or health condition that shuts them out.

Rachel Williams, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Women in Sport said:

“Our report showed so starkly that inequality in sport is compounded for disabled girls. Perceptions of their disability combined with gender stereotypes means their opportunities to participate and thrive in sport, to find the joy in it, are severely limited. In 2026, that’s just not ok and we cannot and should not accept it. Sport has the power to transform lives, to bring self-belief and belonging. We must challenge the stereotypes and work to create more opportunities to create a future where disabled girls, and every girl, feels sport is a place she belongs.”

Changes needed

Published in November 2025, the Play, Move, Belong study explores young disabled and non-disabled people’s experiences and perceptions of sport and physical activity across the UK. The research surveyed over 1,000 children and young people aged 5–16, alongside their parents or caregivers, and reveals persistent inequalities in access to activity opportunities and the confidence to take part.

We produced infographics to turn the research into clear messages, helping audiences quickly understand the barriers, motivations and opportunities that shape participation. They spotlight issues such as lower activity levels among young disabled people, confidence challenges, and the importance of inclusive, welcoming environments where young people feel they belong.

This infographic shares insight from the report on disabled girls’ experiences of sport and activity.

We need inclusive school and community programmes designed specifically with disabled women and girls in mind, not as an afterthought. Teachers, coaches, and volunteers would benefit from training in inclusive delivery like our Inclusive Activity Programme. Then, they can adapt activities, challenge gender stereotypes, and build supportive environments.

Policies must also push for better representation of disabled women in sports including through media campaigns and social media. Visibility has the power to reshape cultural assumptions and create a sense of possibility. Crucially, systemic change requires collaboration, between charities, national bodies, schools, and policymakers who are committed to closing the equity gap.

As we mark International Women’s Day, we must recognise that progress for women in sports cannot be celebrated if disabled women and girls continue to be excluded from taking part, opportunities, and aspiration. When disabled women and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive, the whole sporting landscape becomes stronger, more diverse, and fair.

Useful resources and insight:

• In 2019, we worked with Women in Sport to produce this toolkit for Get out Get Active: Creating positive impact for women who face additional barriers in sport.
• Read more about Women in Sport’s policy positions and asks.