The ‘Safe & Strong 2024 SW/S Conference’ explored key topics around the theme of women’s health, wellbeing and safety in sport.
The event welcomed organisations, individuals, volunteers, partners and participants to identify and discuss areas of improvement around the issues facing women’s participation in sport.
Presentations included conversations around safe space for ethnically diverse communities, diverse representation, online safety, self-care, welfare and mental health, creating a positive impact and celebrating women and girls in sport.
Safe spaces and diverse representation
Rajani Tyagi, Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (SEMSA) was joined by Shazia Mailk, CEO, Glasgow ANSAR Scotland and former Young Peoples Sport Panel Member Sara Naveed to discuss the importance in creating safe spaces for ethnic minority athletes and participants.
The presentation explored how you can ensure and meet cultural requirements for women and girls participating in sport, including kit and clothing, agreeable venues and the understanding of religious festivals.
Through her work at SEMSA, Rajani highlighted the grassroots level work done by the organisation through a number of initiatives that have enabled women and girls who previously had no culturally sensitive environment to participate and enjoy sport to do so.
The discussion also put a spotlight on the ‘LeaderBoard’ partnership between sportscotland and Sporting Equals, a programme that is designed to empower ethnically diverse people and equip them with the knowledge and skills to be Board ready.
The presentation emphasised how diverse boards can enhance sports output and better connect organisations with the communities they are working and partnering with.
Inspiring through inclusion
Representatives of Scottish Disability Sport’s Young People’s Sport Panel, Laura Pilkington and Grace Stirling, hosted alongside para-athlete Laura Cluxton who brought her sporting journey to life. The discussion was focused on how collaboration is important to help better understand requirements for those with a disability to integrate into sport and how organisations can promote wellbeing through a focus on ability and education.
Navigating online safety and responsibility
The conference highlighted some of the challenges around social media and how it can sometimes be a negative or unwelcome space for women and girls in sport.
Donald Gillies, Managing Director, Rangers Women Football Club gave insight into how the club respond to social media issues, around posts involving the women and girls’ teams.
Donald spoke about online safety, what to ignore and how to respond to negative comments online, as well as how to ensure strong mental health in this digital age.
Kirsty Stewart from the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) presented the organisation’s new Digital Self Care Plan as an accessible way to help young people manage their mental health and well-being.
Stephanie Hilborne, CEO, Women in Sport UK rounded off the conference sharing recent research in how social media can be used negatively to influence young men on how they view women and girls’ participation in sport.
Stephanie explored the gender divide that still exists, often beginning at a young age and placed great importance on why stereotypes should be challenged, and the value of having male allies and advocates to inspire change.
About Scottish Women in Sport
Scottish Women in Sport are a charity led by a group of Trustees and supported by dedicated volunteers who make up the SW/S Digital Committee.
Using a variety of platforms, SW/S work with Scottish Governing Bodies, sports organisations, athletes, officials, and more, to highlight positive change and challenge those who continue to exclude or undermine the involvement of women and girls in the sporting arena.
Over the past ten years, SW/S have delivered an annual conference focusing on the issues that matter and impact on women in sport, as well as an annual awards event, where the many successes and achievements of women are celebrated through a variety of categories.
