SPORTS AND SOCIETY

FEMALE PARTICIPATION
IN SPORT AND ACTIVE
RECREATION
EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES TO
ENHANCE THE WELL-BEING OF WOMEN
WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
– Written by Caroline Riot, Australia

Practitioners and researchers have in sport and active recreation improves women with young children, due to the
identified lifelong sport and active recreation women’s and girl’s overall health and lack of time available to mothers who hold
participation as positive contributors to physical, social and emotional well-being, substantial caring roles within the family
individual health and well-being, social as well as reducing stress levels and the risk environment. While women generally are
capital, community development and of chronic diseases6,7. positioned as an ‘at risk’ population due to
economic outcomes (for example, reduced Yet women and girls are less likely to take their lack of physical activity, women with
health-care costs)1-4. While structured sport part in sport and active recreation compared young children are seen to be at higher
activities provide an avenue to engage in to their male counterparts. Statistical data risk as they are even less likely to engage
competitive pursuits and develop strong from a range of countries (for example, in adequate physical activity to manage
social connections with others, active Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and their own health11,12. For instance, compared
recreation provides a more unstructured the USA) indicate that males participate with mothers of older children or childless
physical activity space that individuals more frequently than females in sport and women, mothers of very young children
can use freely in their leisure time and more often in team sports8-10. Differences in engage in fewer out-of-home activities and
achieve a personal sense of enjoyment5. participation rates are also apparent among are likely to do no physical activity other
Similar to other forms of physical activity groups of women. For example, it could be than walking for transport and housework13.
such as active living (the integration of expected that younger women and working Overall patterns of participation
physical activity into everyday routines at women would be more likely to participate highlight trends which reveal ‘inequalities
home, school, work or at play), participation in sport and active recreation compared to in participation’. Such trends can be used

174
© Serge Melki - www.flickr.com/photos/sergemelki/4665101120 (crop)
to identify specific groups who are ‘priority to overweight and obesity, cardiovascular and community identity. Sport and active
groups’ (e.g. women with young children) disease, adverse metabolic profiles, recreation participation facilitates good
in terms of sport and active recreation osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, feelings about oneself, opportunities to
development. Focusing initiatives to depression and reduced psychosocial be with friends and the development
promote and increase participation among functioning. The rise in overweight/obesity and maintenance of a good appearance17.
priority groups is a key feature of sport and low prevalence of physical activity of Physical activity has also been shown to
development14. While the benefits of sport both adult and young women is of particular reduce depression, anxiety, psychological
and active recreation for women and girls concern. While barriers to participation in distress and emotional disturbance among
(and barriers to participation) are well sport and active recreation are wide-ranging women and girls.
established, this article aims to explore (e.g. age-related increases in sedentary While previous studies indicate that
‘benefits and barriers’ for a particular group behaviour) and well-documented, there is sport and active recreation improves
of women (i.e. mothers of young children) strong evidence to suggest that increasing mood states and well-being18 in younger19
and provide a conceptual framework to participation levels in physical activity can and older women20, for women with
consider how organisational practices can lead to additional improvements in the young children it can specifically lead to a
facilitate better inclusion of this group of health status and well-being of women15. reduction in depressive symptoms for those
women in community sport and active This is particularly important for groups diagnosed with postnatal depression21. A
recreation. of women (including those with young review of the benefits of physical activity
children) who are less likely to engage in for the psychological well-being of women
BENEFITS OF SPORT AND ACTIVE adequate physical activity for both physical postnatally suggests that active women are
RECREATION and mental health benefits16. more satisfied with motherhood and with
Preventing ill health and enhancing well- The social and psychological gains to be their partners22. Importantly for mothers,
being found through participation in sport and physical activity is a site for freedom,
There is irrefutable evidence of the active recreation cannot be underestimated. pleasure, choice and personal growth
preventive role of physical inactivity For women and girls, competitive sport and offers the potential for individuals
in the development of chronic disease and regular physical activity provides to find personal empowerment through
and premature death15. In adults, strong opportunities for self-expression, improved challenging structures embedded in social
evidence exists linking sedentary behaviour self-esteem, body confidence, socialising life23,24. Spowart et al25 and Currie26 suggest

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SPORTS AND SOCIETY

Figure 1: Barriers
to women and girls'
participation in sport and
media active recreation.
representation
lack of time
and lack of
and childcare
role models
that physical activity enables women with
young children to experience feelings
clothing and
of happiness, fulfilment and embodied male-dominated equipment and
pleasure, along with feelings of strength culture of sport access to
and empowerment. facilities
Further research suggests that physical
activity results in a greater improvement parental and lack of
in mothers’ well-being and a significant adult influence lack money/funding
reduction in maternal symptoms of of self-
confidence,
depression, regardless of the amount of
personal safety,
physical activity27. These observations are body image
supported by reports that “a single session
of exercise can result in both an increase in
positive mood states (e.g. feeling positive,
more energetic, happy and more refreshed)
and a decrease in negative mood states
(e.g. tension, anxiety, confusion)”27. Overall, acceptable behaviour29 and to deliver health children, time pressure (i.e. feelings of time
participation in structured or unstructured policy outcomes16. scarcity), fatigue, obligations to other roles
physical activity programmes increases (e.g. family and/or work commitments)
the psychological well-being (and reduces BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION and lack of social support and childcare
depression) of women with young children. Participation in sport and active are significant barriers to participation33-36.
Yet, although the evidence suggests that recreation is influenced by a broad range of Further, the ‘ethic of care’ has been identified
physical activity can be an ‘effective lifestyle factors such as age, ethnicity, economic and as an impediment to mothers' ability to
intervention’ that could be used to both disability. For women, there are a number prioritise their own physical activity needs
prevent and treat a wide range of physical of barriers to playing sport and being over domestic responsibilities. In addition
and mental health problems and to improve physically active, including lack of time and (and as mentioned previously), women
overall quality of life3, not all women and childcare, clothing and equipment, lack of with young children often prioritise and
girls in many parts of the world have safe money, lack of self-confidence, personal assume the responsibility for the health and
and affordable access to physically active safety, parental and adult influence, funding, physical activity levels of their children and
lifestyles. male-dominated culture of sport, access family and this subsequently impinges on
to facilities and body image. Women often their own experiences of physical activity16.
Influencing others express concerns about making physical This additional ‘burden of care’ has the
Women (and in particular mothers) have activity a priority in their lives; in the case
a strong influencing role within their own of sport participation, competition and
families and are seen as important role expectations surrounding the participation
models of healthy living. Family members environment can often be confronting and active women
are more
who play sport often influence other family overwhelming for many women. Among
members and girls are more influenced by girls, the barriers that limit participation
‘physically active’ mothers than sporting
heroes or big sporting events. Research also
in various sport and recreation activities
are widespread and include concerns
satisfied with
suggests that children and in particular
very young children, may not be inclined to
about safety, lack of time, school and home
obligations and lack of encouragement
motherhood
participate in physical activity if habitually from family members, friends and adult
sedentary lifestyles are reinforced by their recreation leaders30,31. Celio, Zabinski and
parents28. Therefore, children’s dependency Wilfey32 suggest that young girls are
on their parents (and particularly their vulnerable to feelings of acceptance among
mothers) to be ‘responsible adults’ and their peers and rely heavily on the approval
encourage family-based activities that of others before engaging in a sport,
facilitate physical activity, places an added recreation and leisure activity (Figure 1).
burden on mothers to act as role models for Specifically for women with young

176
the 'ethic of care' has been identified as
an impediment to mothers' ability to
prioritise their own physical activity
needs over domestic responsibilities

potential to impact negatively on women's sport and active recreation is also crucial37,38. system approach, where sport development
own well-being. Sport, recreation and leisure service is considered across a range of settings
agencies can play a role in promoting healthy including:
FACILITATING INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND behaviours and increased levels of physical • school and junior sport,
GIRLS IN COMMUNITY SPORT AND ACTIVE activity among women with young children, • college and university sport,
RECREATION by providing opportunities and spaces (e.g. • high performance sport,
Individual considerations including childcare in some cases) for them • leadership in sport,
There is a growing body of literature to participate in various activities. Research • education, training and development,
about the most effective ways to motivate indicates that programmes which are • sports information and research
and support women and girls to take up considerate of what women and girls ‘value’ resources and
sport. To get more people playing sport, it are likely to be more successful. For instance, • domestic and international co-
is important to understand both women programme attributes that encourage more operation.
and girls' lifestyles and motivation. Motives activity and retention of participation in Furthermore, the UNESCO advocacy
to participate can change and evolve over healthy activities (such as opportunities brief40 entitled: 'Empowering Girls and
time. For example, women with young to socialise with friends, freedom to be Women through Physical Education and
children may begin physical activity for creative, involvement in the programme Sport' suggests that action is required in the
health reasons, however find enjoyment development process and opportunities to following areas:
in the social aspect or mental well-being express their femininity through leisure) are • Policy and strategy – governments have
and continue for those reasons. Therefore, viewed as more favourable39. Positive action an important role to play in creating
understanding an individual’s needs, initiatives such as providing more equal policy and providing funding for sport
attitudes, experiences and behaviours and sensitive access to provision are also programmes for women and girls to
across the lifespan is important for important14. Once again, administrators and enhance the quality or sport and active
increasing participation among women managers need to be aware of the specific recreation programme implementation.
with young children. For instance, interests of women and girls to provide or For example, universities and other
structured and unstructured activities that modify sport and recreation opportunities educational institutions are a useful
focus on opportunities for women with that will encourage participation in healthy resource to generate and transfer
young children to feel empowered through leisure activities. Programme facilitators knowledge about the value of sport
participation are vital. Programmes that who are better able to address the unique and active recreation to individuals and
move away from a ‘prescriptive focus’ and needs of women and girls can positively communities.
pay attention to individualised solutions to impact their health and active recreation • Professional and institutional –
health and well-being will be more effective involvement. professional development of teachers,
in attracting women and girls to engage coaches and community workers on
in sport more regularly. Recognising the Systemic and organisational practices good practices in sport and gender is
everyday meanings of womens' experiences, Based on the guiding themes of the needed to enhance the quality and
such as changes in gendered embodiment Brighton Declaration (1994), engaging sustainability of sport and recreation
and enjoyment that women have identified women and girls in sport and active experiences for women and girls.
as important to their engagement with recreation at the local level requires a whole- Promoting women as physical

177
SPORTS AND SOCIETY

Table 1

Challenges Key features

and enjoyment. Specifically for women with
Defining terms and having consistency among young children, barriers to participation
include time constraints, the 'ethic of care'
the use of terms such as sport, recreation, leisure, and lack of social support and childcare.
Terminology
physical activity, exercise, fitness, active living, Identifying barriers to participation can
excellence and participation. facilitate the actions and outcomes required
to engage women in lifelong sport and
Considering intersectionality in service provision active recreation. However, understanding
Intersectionality in
among gender, class, race, ethnicity, religion, and and addressing the barriers preventing
service provision
disability. more female participation in physical
activity is complex. Evidence shows that
Maintaining accurate data and statistics on gender and the needs of females across
Data collection registration and participation in sport by gender, the life course should be considered when
age, province and sport. developing specific physical activity, sport
and active recreation opportunities.
Addressing partnerships between local, provisional, The pursuit of greater participation
Collaboration among and state level government organisations and among women and girls (and specifically
agencies agencies operating in education, public health, women with young children) in physical
sport, recreation and leisure industries. activity, sport and active recreation is
encouraging. Even having a low level of
Table 1: Challenges in the development and promotion of sport and recreation opportunities. physical activity is better for health than
not being active at all. A framework for
understanding how organisations can
facilitate the inclusion and retention
education teachers and giving young 2. c ollaboration among local, provisional of this group of women (i.e. mothers of
women the role models they need to and state organisations as well as young children) is important for growing
motivate them to participate in sport among various sport, recreation, fitness participation. Individuals, community
can have a positive impact on the and leisure agencies and groups and sport/recreation-related
development of academic and life skills. 3. terminology and data collection organisations all have an important role to
• Personal and social – fostering processes (Table 1). play in providing opportunities for women
environments where women and girls These findings illustrate a need to focus and girls (particularly mothers of young
feel comfortable participating in sport on the individual as well as the societal, children) to engage in lifelong health
is essential for personal and social cultural and environmental constraints to enhancing physical activity.
development. Specifically for women women and girls’ participation in sport and
with young children, the physical active recreation more broadly, and mothers’
activity needs of mothers need to be participation more specifically.
recognised at a societal level as being References
equally as valid as those of men and CONCLUSION
Available at www.aspetar.com/journal
children. Strategies that address gender This article has explored the benefits of
differences in free time, societal norms participation in sport and active recreation
about entitlement to sport and active and barriers to participation with a
recreation and the cultural beliefs that particular focus on women with young
affect household negotiations about children. The benefits of sport and active
physical activity participation are recreation are wide-ranging including: Caroline Riot Ph.D.
important considerations36. prevention and management of disease, Sport Management Lecturer
More broadly, the ongoing challenges for increased health, fitness, body and bone Griffith Business School
many nations include considerations of: strength, weight loss and prevention
Griffith University
1.
intersectionality in service provision of obesity, reduced risks of mortality,
among gender, class, race, ethnicity, improved mental health and improved Brisbane, Australia
religion and disability, well-being, increase in social connections Contact: [email protected]

178