A significant proportion of women report safety concerns in relation to exercising in well-lit streets or public spaces alone after dark (65%), non-supervised public facilities (53%), and supervised public facilities (19%). Research found 46% of women say they change their outdoor exercise routine due to less daylight during the autumn and winter months and almost half (48%) of women do not like to get active outdoors after dark. More alarming is that six in 10 (60%) women surveyed are also concerned about the risk of sexual harassment or intimidation when being active during the darker nights.
When we consider safety concerns in leisure facilities, among those who experienced sexual harassment or intimidation, 76% reported they had changed their behaviour as a result, which varied from changing the time they visited facilities to the way they dressed. These concerns contribute to an overall trend of women reportedly enjoying exercise less than men.
This face-to-face learning session provided a space to reflect on reported safety concerns in relation to women and girls being active and discuss what we can do to address systemic issues, promote awareness, and implement practices.