School pupils in Glasgow have been helped to be active every day after The Sweaty Betty Foundation donated 100 sports hijabs to girls at Springburn Academy and Shawlands Academy.
The Sweaty Betty Foundation has donated sports hijabs to girls at the schools to remove a barrier to being active and help encourage teenage girls to take part in sport and physical activity more often.
Sports hijabs are made from lightweight and breathable fabrics to help keep Muslim women and girls cooler while playing sport.
Sweaty Betty Foundation volunteer Iona McPherson, joined the girls and staff at Springburn Academy recently to hand out the hijabs and see the girls play a game of basketball.
A student at Springburn Academy said: “The hijabs are really helpful for children like us, and women because it will be more breathable and allow our hair to feel free and not trapped, it will be much easier when we we’re playing PE and sports.”
Head Teacher of Springburn Academy, Audrey McCracken, said: “This will support us in breaking down barriers for our pupils to get active, and hopefully empower pupils to stay active throughout their time in Springburn Academy and beyond.”
Many barriers exist for girls participating in sport at school and beyond, these include a lack of confidence, fear of being judged, body image issues and worries about PE lessons during menstruation.
For Muslim women and girls, significant barriers exist which mean they are less likely to participate in sport or struggle to participate regularly. These include religious/cultural barriers, a lack of women-only spaces or activities, a lack of modest sports attire and the potential of encountering any discrimination.
Gillian Wilson, Biology Teacher at Springburn Academy with a background working in women’s rugby, said: “I am passionate about supporting women and girls in sport and hope to empower our pupils here in Springburn Academy to feel more confident during physical activity.
“From a previous career in sport and from my time now in education, I know the barriers women and girls face, and through working with the Sweaty Betty Foundation we can support breaking down these barriers for pupils and promote more opportunities for our young people to unlock their potential during PE, and beyond.
"This donation of Sports Hijabs is energising, ensures our pupils voices are heard, and I am confident will have a lasting impact on our current and future pupils.”
Girls at Shawlands Academy received their hijabs on December 12 and took part in a Musical Theatre and Dance Workshop lead by volunteers Iona and her colleague at the Glasgow Sweaty Betty store.
Director of the Sweaty Betty Foundation, Afsana Lachaux, said “The right sports kit can make all the difference. With 52% of girls feeling self-conscious in their PE kit, it’s clear that inclusive and comfortable clothing can significantly boost confidence and participation in sport and physical activity. Every girl, regardless of her background, deserves the joy of movement.”
