Wandsworth Council is set to significantly enhance sports opportunities for women and girls, following discussions at a Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The initiative aims to break down barriers and boost participation in physical activities, particularly among underrepresented groups. The council's commitment aligns with the Wandsworth Moves Together Leisure Strategy (2024–2029), which recognises that many individuals face obstacles to being active.
The Women and Girls Working Group, launched in October 2024, has been instrumental in co-designing an action plan focused on seven key themes: affordability, increasing participation by secondary school girls, representation, settings, safety, psychological barriers, and information. The action plan proposes targeted initiatives to boost participation, volunteering, coaching, and leadership among women and girls.
The Wandsworth Moves Together strategy focuses particularly on underrepresented groups including women and girls, disabled people, older adults, ethnically minoritised communities, and young people.
Delivery of the action plan will be overseen by Wandsworth's Community Sport and Physical Activity Network (CSPAN), with a dedicated subgroup monitoring progress and impact. The council also hosted an online International Women's Day event themed Accelerate Action, presenting the draft action plan and gathering feedback from partners.
The council is also strengthening links with other priorities, including the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Partnership Strategy, ensuring that sport and physical activity contribute to wider wellbeing goals.