'Women and girls still face barriers to getting active'

'Women and girls still face barriers to getting active'Professor Leigh Robinson argues that policy changes are vital to drive meaningful opportunities for participationNewsopinionLeigh Robinson, Chair of Cymru Women's Sport16:53, 05 Jun 2026Updated 16:54, 05 Jun 2026View ImageProfessor Leigh Robinson(Image: Unknown) No matter your political leaning, it has been an eventful few weeks for politics, policy and governance in Wales, particularly in areas that matter deeply to us: sport, physical activity, and the wellbeing of women and girls. One of the most encouraging developments is the Welsh Government’s proposal to rethink how we invest in health. By directing greater funding into sport (and culture), there is a growing recognition that participation in physical activity is not just recreational. It is preventative healthcare. Embedding sport and physical activity more closely within the NHS could play a vital role in improving physical and mental health outcomes, reducing long-term demand on health services and enhancing quality of life for communities across Wales. This shift is especially significant for women and girls. We know that regular participation in sport and physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen mental wellbeing, build confidence, and create lasting social connections. Yet too many women and girls still face barriers to getting active. This makes it all the more important that policy changes translate into meaningful opportunities for participation. The policy is championed by Plaid Cymru’s Minister for Culture and Sport, Heledd Fychan, who spoke at our strategic launch at the Senedd in December. It is encouraging to see a woman appointed as Minister for Culture and Sport! It is also positive to see Delyth Jewell appointed as Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women’s Health. This signal an intention for a joined-up approach where wellbeing, safety and participation for women and girls are embedded across policy areas rather than treated in isolation. Visible leadership matters and representation at decision-making levels helps ensure that the needs and experiences of women and girls are better understood and addressed. Against this positive backdrop, our priorities remain firmly focused on creating lasting change: Leadership: Ensuring women and girls have a stronger voice in decision-making across all levels of sport—from grassroots clubs to governing bodies.Facilities: Advocating for inclusive, accessible environments that meet the needs of everyone, helping remove one of the key barriers to participation.Safety: Promoting conditions where women and girls feel safe and supported to be active at any time of day or year.Investment: Calling for greater transparency and fairness in how funding is distributed, so that women’s sport is properly recognised and resourced.These priorities are central because they address the inequalities that continue to limit participation. When women are excluded from decision-making, when facilities are inadequate, when safety cannot be assured or when investment lacks transparency and fairness, opportunities to be active and to benefit from the associated health and wellbeing gains are significantly reduced. Article continues belowIf we truly want to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls, increasing participation in sport and physical activity must be part of the solution. The policy direction we are now seeing is a promising step forward. But sustained commitment and collective action will be key to turning ambition into impact. Want to find out how Cymru Women’s Sport is supporting inclusive and equitable sport for women and girls in Wales? Visit cymruwomensport.org to find out more.