International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating action for gender equality in sport

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme, ‘Accelerating Action’, is a powerful call to continue breaking down barriers for women and girls in sport and physical activity. Across Sussex, the This Girl Can initiative has been instrumental in driving change, empowering women, and creating opportunities for all. Here’s why it’s vital to keep pushing forward.

Breaking barriers and driving change

Gemma Finlay-Gray, Strategic Relationships Manager for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, emphasised the importance of gender equality in sport:
“Gender equality in the physical activity and sport sector isn’t just about fairness—it’s about breaking down barriers that have held women and girls back for too long both in terms of participation and leading.

“Through the development of the This Girl Can Sussex Network, delivery of learning events in collaboration with experts, and amplifying women’s voices in decision-making, I have worked to inspire action, drive policy change, and hopefully as a result helped create real opportunities for women and girls to move more.

“But progress is not inevitable; it requires relentless commitment and the courage from all to be upstanders — challenging inequality when we see it, advocating for change, and ensuring no one is left behind.

“We cannot afford to slow down—because when women are empowered, whether that be being more active or to lead, communities thrive, health inequalities shrink, and society moves forward together.”

Diversity Resource International (DRI) has historically supported women since its foundation in 2004.

Amanda Silva from DRI said: “Recognising the systemic, social and individual inequalities that women face in workplaces, education and even in their relationships with relatives, partners and friends, we understand that the opportunities for women to overcome these challenges have been scarce, but fortunately in recent years we have seen a lot of progress.

“We encourage women to stay active, we encourage women to build positive relationships, and to always stand for themselves.

“In a world where all these things can be often forced down by daily routines and responsibilities, it’s really important that each one of us values the power of taking care of ourselves and building practical routines that will improve our overall state of mind and will gives us strength to cope with difficult challenges.”

Championing representation and inclusion

Kelly Smith, Founder/Director of The Black Tri Tribe, highlighted the need to create inclusive spaces where all women feel represented:
“At BTT, accelerating action for women’s equality means breaking down barriers that prevent women, especially black women and women of colour, from accessing sport.

“As Diane Abbott said, ‘my forebears refused to cut the sugar cane for plantation owners, and I am recognisably a product of that background’. That same spirit of resilience drives our work.

“We create inclusive spaces where women feel safe, represented, and empowered to take up space in physical activity. Through accessible swimming, cycling, and triathlon programs, we challenge stereotypes and remove barriers so more women can be active. Real change requires action, and we’re committed to making that happen.”

Nurturing the next generation

Cath Donovan from Active Hastings shared how investing in female coaches is key to inspiring future generations:
“At the heart of all our sessions, we strive to create a welcoming and safe space for girls and women, whatever their fitness levels, size or ability.

“We have been able to achieve this by ensuring our team includes a strong network of female coaches, who are continuously upskilled with training tailored specifically for female coaches.

“This has been particularly beneficial to Jodie, our Wildcats Girls Football Coach. During the sessions Jodie actively shows the girls, aged between 5 and 11, there are no barriers for girls in football and confidently inspires future generations of girls to have fun and reach their full potential, without fear of failure or judgement.

“We’ve also been working closely with Hastings and Bexhill RFC to help develop their girls’ rugby section. With 35 girls now playing regularly, the club have shattered stereotypes and the girls’ teams are firmly embedded in the club.”

Creating inclusive sporting opportunities

Ed Bartram, Regional Projects and Events Officer from Active Sussex, reflected on efforts to make sport more accessible for girls:
“We have always strived for the Sussex School Games to be inclusive, and to be a place where girls can find their passion for sport and physical activity.

“Historically we have seen some really talented female athletes in both individual and team competitions, and more recently have been able to listen and respond to their wants and motivations, as well as exploring some of the more unique barriers to participation, through our Roadshow and Festivals programme.”

Leadership and advocacy for change

Christine Gibbons, Chair of Trustees for Active Sussex, spoke about championing equality at board level:
“I have had the privilege of volunteering as a trustee on ‘Access Sport’, Cycling UK, ‘parkrun global’ and ‘Active Sussex’ – all these charities are championing equality and diversity and reducing barriers to participation in sport and general activity. An example is Cycling UK ‘100 Women in Cycling’ annual publication. 

“At a Board level, Active Sussex has a diverse Board with women forming over 50 percent of the Board.

“In 2024, one of my personal goals was to qualify as a coach with British Triathlon and with English Athletics. I wanted our female club members to have a greater option of coaches. I qualified and I would not have done so without the support of my male colleagues who guided, supported and assessed me through the process.”

Raising male allies

Vanessa Mayor from Active Sussex shared a personal perspective on creating a culture of allyship:
“As the mother of two young men I feel I have a good claim to have raised a couple of male allies to add to the world. I hope in some small way that it will make a difference.”

Nick Chellel, the Workforce Officer for Active Sussex, added: “Gender equality in sport and physical activity isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s everyone’s responsibility. 

“This International Women’s Day, let’s accelerate action by stepping up as allies, amplifying voices, and breaking down barriers, to create safe inclusive spaces where women and girls can thrive. 

“Show your commitment to standing beside women and girls to drive equity forward together. I urge all male colleagues to join our This Girl Can Sussex Network and engage with the community of learning sessions.”

Looking ahead

The progress made through This Girl Can and other initiatives across Sussex has been significant, but the journey towards true equality is far from over. Accelerating action means continuing to challenge barriers, create opportunities, and ensure that every woman and girl has the chance to enjoy and lead in sport. Together, we can create lasting change.